Airlink is all set to launch new daily service connecting Johannesburg to Nairobi from April 24, 2023, becoming the first private-sector airline to offer flights on this route. Kenya will be the 15th destination on Airlink’s sub-Saharan route network and its third in East Africa.
The airline plans to operate its 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliner on the route.
Airlink now connects South Africa’s most popular hubs like OR Tambo International (JNB) and Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) airports.
This service comes in the wake of a diplomatic agreement between Kenya and South Africa to eliminate trade barriers and strengthen commerce and economic ties by promoting business and cooperation between two significant economies in critical sectors and markets. The agreement was inked in November 2022.
Rodger Foster, CEO, Airlink said: “This is also an important moment for Eastern - Southern Africa connectivity. With Airlink’s network now including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and most of the Southern Africa Development Community nations, we offer travelers the widest set of choices and convenient regional and intercontinental connections on our own aircraft and with our global carrier partners. These enable the businesses and economies Airlink serves to expand their own respective market reach. Similarly, our competitive services will promote tourism in both markets, generating additional foreign travel spend."
Meanwhile, Airlink launched a reciprocal interline agreement with Etihad thereby offering more destinations to customers. Also, last month British Airways launched a codeshare with Airlink improving connectivity between the UK, Europe, North America, and more than 15 destinations in Southern Africa.