Namibia’s Desert Jewels Carried on Airlink’s Wings

Airlink, the independent Southern African airline, is supporting Namibia’s “Desert Jewels” national netball squad as its carrier to the 2021 Spar Challenge tournament between South Africa, Uganda and Namibia, in Cape Town, which is key to the team’s eligibility to compete in next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Since air services between the two countries resumed last October, Airlink has increased its services and currently operates seven daily return flights between South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town) and Namibia (Windhoek and Walvis Bay).

“Like the Desert Jewels, who we are proud to carry to the Spar Challenge, we aim to continue supporting Namibian businesses and travellers with a choice of affordable and reliable flights so that they can safely and conveniently travel between Namibia and South Africa – and beyond - for business or leisure,” explained Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster. 

“Being able to take on South Africa and Uganda in Cape Town during the coming week, is crucial to our campaign and wouldn’t be possible without Airlink’s support. Getting to Cape Town in good shape and well-rested should give us the winning advantage we need,” said head coach, Julene Meyer. 

Namibia’s netball squad is flying from Windhoek to Cape Town today where they hope to repeat their recent M1 Nations Cup tournament-winning performance in Singapore, which saw the team ascend from 31st to 23rd position in the world rankings. To qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games they must improve by another nine positions. 

“We wish the team every success in their campaign towards qualifying for the 2022 Commonwealth Games,” said Mr Foster. 

About Airlink

Airlink was established in 1992 and is an independent, privately-owned and BBBEE airline. It offers travellers a wide choice of flights across its comprehensive network of Southern African destinations, which it serves with a fleet of more than 50 modern jetliners.

Like its industrious sunbird icon, in 2019 Airlink carried more than two million customers on more than 63 000 flights. Its current network includes more than 30 destinations in 11African countries excluding St Helena Island*. Airlink’s flight schedule is regularly updated and reflects the effects of COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions. The latest information is available on the Airlink website here. 

Airlink was South Africa’s most punctual airline in 2020**. In February 2021 97.87% of Airlink flights departed on-time, illustrating its laser-focus on providing customers with excellent and reliable service.

* Flights serving St Helena Island will resume when the current travel restrictions are lifted.
**measured by the Airports Company South Africa.