Chief executive De Villiers Engelbrecht expects a substantial increase in revenue during the current financial year as deliveries of Embraer jets support the expansion.
The airline’s network now covers 67 destinations across 16 countries. The proposed additional countries have not been identified in the accessible account of the interview.
The growth plan builds on recent route launches, including a direct Cape Town–Mauritius service that began on 2 October.
According to Bloomberg’s interview published on 7 October, Engelbrecht sees the new aircraft supporting both network expansion and higher revenue. The targets remain company expectations rather than completed growth.
Qatar’s route into African markets
Qatar Airways bought a 25% stake in Airlink in August 2024, strengthening an existing partnership between the airlines.
The investment gives Qatar access to a regional carrier serving destinations beyond the reach of its own long-haul network. For Airlink, the partnership offers wider international connections and marketing opportunities.
The new growth ambition does not involve a newly announced Qatar investment. It shows how Airlink intends to expand with its existing shareholder structure and aircraft programme.
New jets open direct routes
Airlink’s Cape Town–Mauritius service illustrates how the aircraft can change its network.
The twice-weekly route uses an Embraer E195-E2 with 124 seats, giving passengers a direct alternative to travelling through Johannesburg.
“Our new flagship aircraft, the E195-E2, makes it possible for Airlink to conveniently connect Cape Town with Mauritius,” Engelbrecht said in the airline’s launch announcement.
Airlink is also expanding domestic services. In a separate announcement dated 6 October, it said twice-daily Cape Town–Lanseria flights would begin on 4 December.
