South African private-sector airline Airlink, which has had a franchise agreement with State-owned flag carrier South African Airways (SAA) since 1997 – which is currently under business rescue – has announced that the airlines have replaced that franchise agreement with a new commercial relationship, which will come into effect on June 11. One consequence of this is that Airlink will no longer use SAA flight codes (with the prefix SA8), instead adopting its own, unique, flight code, which will be prefixed 4Z.

“While we intend working with SAA’s business rescue practitioners to find a solution that enables SAA to continue its important role in the Southern African market, we have a responsibility to take action to preserve Airlink’s viability as a financially robust, independent and privately owned airline,” stressed Airlink CEO and MD Rodger Foster. “However, should SAA’s circumstances worsen, then Airlink will activate the transition sooner – immediately, if necessary.”

With its own flight code, Airlink will be able to develop new routes and flight frequencies on its own. It will also be able to enter into new agreements with major international airlines. It will allow the airline to increase its commercial reach. “Marketing and selling flights under our own 4Z code is an exciting development for Airlink as we propagate our business and take advantage of new market opportunities,” he said.

“We sincerely regret any short-term inconvenience these changes may cause for our customers,” he assured. “This represents the best way to ensure we continue serving all our passengers in a seamless manner, whilst also securing the best interests of Airlink, its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders for the future.”

“Airlink is the largest independent regional airline in Southern Africa,” states the airline on its website. It operates what it describes as “the widest network and choice of flights in Southern Africa and St Helena island” and carries some 1.8-million passengers a year, 60% of whom are business travellers and 40% leisure travellers. The company has achieved growth every year since it was founded in 1992.

The airline operates turboprop and jet aircraft. The smallest type is the single-engined 12-passenger Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX. Next is the twin-turboprop 29-passenger BAES Jetstream 4100. The rest of the fleet is composed of jets, all from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The smallest of these is the 37-passenger ERJ135ER, with the 44-passenger ERJ140 next. Both these types are powered by two engines mounted on their rear fuselages. The last two types in the fleet, the E170 and E190AR, are much larger and both powered by two underwing engines. The E170 has a passenger capacity of 74, while the E190AR can take 98 passengers.

Airlink offers flights to destinations in Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as to Jamestown/St Helena and Sikhuphe, in Swaziland. Domestically, its destinations are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, George, Hoedspruit, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Mthatha, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa, Pietermaritzburg, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Sishen, Skukuza and Upington.

Tickets with 4Z flight codes have been available since January 16. Customers who already have SA8-flight-coded tickets for flights from June 11 onwards will need to be reaccommodated by Airlink but, otherwise, their tickets will remain valid.