Qatar Airways in talks to acquire stake in South Africa’s Airlink: Report

Published: 27 July 2024

NT Bureau
Doha

Qatar Airways is in talks to buy a stake in South Africa’s SA Airlink Pty Ltd. as the Doha-based airline seeks to expand its presence on the continent, according to people with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg reports.

The carrier is considering buying a stake of as much as 20% stake in Airlink, said the people, asking not to be identified because the companies have yet to reach an agreement. Representatives for Qatar Airways and Airlink declined to comment.

Qatar Airways already flies to about 30 destinations across Africa, and is looking to expand its network through a series of partnerships and investments.

The carrier is also finalizing the acquisition of a 49% stake in RwandAir, and will have a 60% stake in a new airport that’s being built near Rwanda’s capital, as the carrier tries to gain greater scale on the continent that’s seen rising travel demand in recent years.