The South African regional airline Airlink intends to increase its network by approximately 10% and enter two additional countries, utilizing new aircraft to support growth across the continent.
Adding new Embraer aircraft helps Airlink expand its route network and offer more direct flights
Chief Executive Officer De Villiers Engelbrecht anticipates a significant revenue increase in the current fiscal year thanks to the new Embraer aircraft, which will provide additional capacity for the airline's expansion.
According to a Business Insider report covering the airline's growth plans following an interview with Engelbrecht, Airlink currently serves 67 routes in 16 countries. The two new countries targeted for entry have not yet been named.
This expansion comes amid recent route launches, including a direct Airlink flight from Cape Town to Mauritius, which began operations on October 2, 2026. Furthermore, the airline has added a new service between Cape Town and Zanzibar.
In August 2024, Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in Airlink, strengthening the partnership between the two airlines. This investment aids in improving connectivity between Airlink's regional network and Qatar Airways' international services, offering travelers more options when traveling between African destinations and other parts of the world.
Airlink's latest expansion plans rely on this existing partnership, and it is expected that the additional aircraft will help the airline serve more destinations in Africa.
Adding new Embraer aircraft helps Airlink expand its route network and offer more direct flights
The introduction of more modern Embraer aircraft contributes to the expansion of Airlink's route network and the provision of more direct connections. The flight from Cape Town to Mauritius operates twice a week on an Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which seats 124 passengers. This service offers an alternative for passengers who previously had to transfer through Johannesburg.
Engelbrecht stated in the route launch announcement: "Our new flagship aircraft, the E195-E2, allows Airlink to conveniently connect Cape Town with Mauritius."
Airlink is also preparing to expand its domestic network. Starting December 4, 2026, the airline plans to introduce daily flights between Cape Town and Lanseria International Airport using an Embraer E190 with a capacity of 98 seats. This additional service will provide travelers with another way to reach Western Gauteng, while the planned expansion into two new countries could further strengthen Airlink's regional links.