Airlink and Safair have announced plans to apply to the Competition Commission for approval to merger under the Airlink group of companies. Under the terms of the merger, the two South African carriers would continue to operate under separate brands and keep all of their existing independent infrastructure and staff.
Airlink chief executive and managing director Rodger Foster said of the merger: “It presents opportunities to reduce our combined costs, position ourselves for growth, and increasing connectivity and choice while making air travel accessible and affordable for our customers across Southern Africa,” Foster said. “Our combined networks will enable us to connect 37 destinations in nine Southern African and Indian Ocean countries and St Helena. This will stimulate and enable trade, tourism, economic growth and social development in those markets we serve.”