South African-based independent airline Airlink, on Wednesday announced that it acquired a 40 per cent stake in a Windhoek-based privately-owned airline, FlyNamibia.
Airlink a premier airline which serves over 45 destinations in 13 countries throughout Southern Africa, Madagascar and St Helena Island acquired its 40 per cent stake at an undisclosed monetary sum.
Addressing the media here on Wednesday Airlink Chief Executive and Managing Director, Rodger Foster said, the investment will accelerate Namibia’s post-pandemic recovery and drive the expansion of efficient scheduled airline services to, from and within Namibia.
“Namibia is unique, not only in its natural, mineral and human wealth but it is a relatively small population relative to the size of its territory. With this in mind, we will be well-placed to achieve the economies of scale and make it economically feasible to connect and serve Namibia’s smaller towns and cities with Windhoek and other regional destinations while also providing convenient and easy access to other markets around the world,” Foster said.
Foster added that the investment will further see FlyNamibia adopting Airlink’s “4Z” International Air Transport Association (IATA) designator for its ticket sales and scheduled flights while retaining its unique corporate identity, brand and aircraft livery.
FlyNamibia Managing Director, Andre Compion in his remarks said Namibia’s economy is expanding and has the potential to grow rapidly with new offshore drilling and mining activities which will depend increasingly upon air connectivity to move people and goods between markets.
“By joining hands with Airlink and becoming part of its global network, we will even be better able to serve foreign and local tourists and businesses. In addition, we will be building capacity, developing aviation skills and creating direct and indirect job opportunities,” he said.
Compion also said that this new joint venture will come into effect as soon as practicable, after which all existing bookings for FlyNamibia flights will be amended at no cost or inconvenience to customers.
“Airlink will also provide additional airline operations, technical and commercial skills training and development support for FlyNamibia,” Compion said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency