Airlink has signed an agreement to acquire 40% strategic equity holding in privately-owned Windhoek-based FlyNamibia. This investment will help flyNambia in the post-pandemic recovery and drive the expansion of efficient scheduled airline services to, from, and within Namibia.
The investment, worth an undisclosed monetary sum, is underpinned by a commercial franchise agreement under which FlyNamibia will adopt 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 will gain high visibility as it will be promoted on Airlink’s computerised reservation system and on those of major foreign airlines that have partnered with Airlink.
FlyNamibia will also enjoy additional privileges such as additional airline operations, technical and commercial skills training, and development support from Airlink.
Airlink Chief Executive and Managing Director, Rodger Foster, said: “Namibia is unique with a relatively small population compared to the size of its territory. With this in mind, we will be well-placed to achieve the economies of scale to 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. This will also support our and Namibia’s shared longer-term ambition to establish Hosea Kutako International Airport as the central connecting hub and base.”
FlyNamibia Managing Director, Andre Compion, said: “Namibia’s economy is expanding and has the potential to grow rapidly with new offshore drilling and mining, the resurgence in tourism, and its establishment as a pioneering producer of green hydrogen for the global energy market. To realise its full economic potential, Namibia 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 be even 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.”
Airlink and FlyNamibia will optimise their schedules to provide the most convenient connections between their long-haul inter-continental flights.
FlyNamibia currently operates domestic flights from Windhoek’s Eros Airport to Ondangwa, Rundu, and Katima Mulilo and regional flights to Cape Town operating six times a week from Hosea Kutako International Airport.