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Airlink Timeline

Airlink is a privately owned, independent regional airline that has connected Southern Africa to the rest of the continent for more than three decades.

Founded in 1992, the airline has steadily built a comprehensive network linking major cities, regional centres, and remote destinations that are critical to business, tourism, and community development.

Throughout its history, Airlink has been defined by strong operational capability, high safety and service standards, and a deep understanding of operating reliably in diverse and often complex African aviation environments.

While Airlink previously participated in a long-standing commercial alliance with South African Airways, it has always remained an independent airline with its own ownership, management, aircraft, and strategic direction.

The alliance provided network and loyalty alignment, but Airlink retained full operational and corporate autonomy.

Since operating under its own flight code and brand, Airlink has continued to expand its network, form partnerships with leading global airlines, and reinforce its position as Southern Africa’s most extensive regional airline—independent by structure, resilient by design, and focused on connecting Africa.

1992

Business partners Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb successfully acquire the liquidated Link Airways. The new airline is established under the name Airlink.

1995

The airline is officially launched on 25 March at a high-profile event attended by distinguished guests, including Queen Elizabeth II. Remaining independent, Airlinks operations align with South African Airways (SAA), and participation in the Voyager frequent flyer programme is introduced under the "SA Airlink" brand.

1997

A strategic alliance is formed with South African Airways and SA Express, contributing to the creation of what becomes Africa’s leading aviation network. The “South African” franchise brand is adopted as part of this alliance.

1999

Swaziland Airlink is established as a joint venture between the airline and the Government of Swaziland (now Eswatini).

2000

On 3 April, the Kruger Park Gateway Airport in Phalaborwa is officially opened. On 30 August, the franchise agreement with South African Airways is formalised as a bilateral relationship.

2005

Scheduled air services commence between South Africa and Antananarivo, Madagascar.

2006

A corporate identity refresh is undertaken, adopting the “SA Airlink" brand and the positioning statement Freedom of the African Sky. The new livery incorporates South Africa’s national colours—blue, red, green, and gold—along with the distinctive sunbird emblem, while maintaining visual alignment with the “South African” franchise brand.

2008

Following successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), the airline is placed on the IATA Register on 6 February, confirming compliance with international safety and operational standards.

2009

In October, operations move into a new head office at Greenstone Hill Office Park, Modderfontein.

2011

In December, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) awards four Feather Awards in recognition of consistent service excellence at ACSA-managed airports.

2012

In June, a landmark broad-based black economic empowerment transaction is concluded, with the sale of a 32.51% equity stake. In December, ACSA presents six Feather Awards for continued service excellence.

2013

In March, direct services are launched between Johannesburg and Kasane, and between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, expanding the network to 31 destinations . On 11 June, Airlink marks 21 years of operations, with turnover exceeding R2 billion, a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, and more than one million passengers carried annually.

2014

Scheduled air services are reintroduced between Cape Town and Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport, providing direct access to the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.

2015

The airline becomes the first domestic carrier to operate scheduled flights between Cape Town and the newly refurbished Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria.

2016

An agreement is signed with the Government of Madagascar to operate domestic air services within Madagascar, as well as regional services linking the country to key destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. In partnership with Embraer, the Airlink Training Centre is opened at Bonaero Park.

2017

The airline celebrates its 25th anniversary under continuous leadership, alongside the 50th anniversary of one of its foundational operators, Lowveld Air Services, established in 1967. In June, it is selected by the Government of St Helena as the preferred bidder to operate scheduled air services to the island. In August, the first Embraer E190 E-Jets enter service on routes to Pietermaritzburg and Bulawayo. In December, ACSA presents Feather Awards for Best Performing Regional Airline and Best Performing Domestic Airline.

2018

Negotiations are concluded with FlySafair regarding a proposed merger or acquisition. Approval is declined by the Competition Commission on competition grounds, and the matter is later withdrawn prior to Tribunal hearings due to diverging shareholder objectives. In December, ACSA presents a Feather Award for Best Performing Regional Airline.

2019

A high-technology training centre of excellence is established in partnership with Embraer, housing full-flight simulators for both the Embraer E190 and ERJ145 aircraft, supporting up to five training sessions per day.

2020 - First Quarter

The 23-year franchise agreement with South African Airways is terminated following SAA’s entry into business rescue, contractual defaults, and cessation of operations.

2020 - Second Quarter Onwards

Operations resume during COVID-19 lockdown level 3 under the airline’s own 4Z flight code.

The termination of the agreement with SAA, forced Airlink to reposition itself again as a fully independent, with the comprehensive airline network serving South Africa and Southern Africa.
New routes are introduced to destinations including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, George, Dar es Salaam, Windhoek, Lubumbashi, Luanda, and Maputo. Interline agreements with Qatar Airways and Emirates enable seamless onward connectivity via Johannesburg and Cape Town to more than 45 destinations across Southern Africa.

In September, the corporate name is formally changed from SA Airlink (Pty) Ltd to Airlink (Pty) Ltd, aligning the legal entity with the long-established brand.

On 12 November, Airlink unveils a new livery and tail insignia, clearly signalling its status as an independent, privately owned, South African airline.