Since South Africa’s aviation deregulation in 1992, at least 40 airlines have collapsed, unable to survive the competitive and volatile industry. While many have fallen by the wayside—including Kulula.com, Mango Airlines, and SA Express—Airlink, a privately-owned regional airline, has thrived for over three decades. Co-founded by Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb in 1992, Airlink attributes its resilience to three key strategies: forging strategic global partnerships, prudent financial management, and an unwavering commitment to supporting staff.
Foster highlighted that Airlink made a conscious decision to protect its staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining all jobs despite industry-wide job cuts. Additionally, the airline’s cautious financial approach, avoiding excessive debt and aggressive expansion, allowed it to weather economic downturns better than its competitors.
A critical factor in Airlink’s success has been its partnerships, particularly with global airlines. After severing ties with South African Airways (SAA) in 2020, Airlink has expanded its network through 30 international airline partnerships, including code-shares with Air France-KLM. This expansion has helped increase passenger numbers and revenue significantly, with Airlink carrying four million passengers in 2024, compared to 1.91 million in 2019.
Looking ahead, Airlink continues to grow, with a 24% increase in flights and a revenue boost to R11.6 billion in 2024. In August 2024, Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in Airlink, reinforcing its growth trajectory.
As Foster steps down as CEO in March 2025, after nearly 33 years of leadership, Airlink’s future remains bright under the guidance of new CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht, who has been with the company for 20 years. Foster plans to remain involved as a non-executive board member and shareholder.