South African private sector airline Airlink announced on Tuesday that it is starting a new intra-African service, between Johannesburg and Entebbe, in Uganda. The airline had originally planned to inaugurate this service earlier this year, but had had to postpone it when both countries had increased their Covid-19 travel restrictions.

“Entebbe is not just Uganda’s primary tourism and trade [gateway], it is also strategically positioned for access to the wider Eastern African Community nations and the Great Lakes, which represent significant markets,” highlighted Airlink CEO and MD Rodger Foster. “Our flights will enable closer relations, promote economic activity and make it possible for tourists to enjoy the diverse array of travel experiences on offer in South Africa and Uganda as well as Southern and Eastern Africa.”

The service will be operated twice a week. The flights are timed to conveniently link to the airline’s domestic and Southern African operations. Flights coded 4Z 190 will leave Johannesburg at 21:15 on Sunday and Wednesday nights, arriving in Entebbe at 02:30 on Monday and Thursday mornings respectively. Flights coded 4Z 191 will leave Entebbe at 03:30 on Mondays and Thursdays, arriving in Johannesburg at 07:00 on those same days.

To celebrate the inauguration of the new route, the airline is offering ‘celebratory fares’ for a limited time. As standard, economy class passengers have a 20 kg free check-in baggage allowance, in addition to a 15 kg sporting equipment allowance. Business class passengers have a 30 kg check-in baggage allowance (six business class seats are available on each flight). Airlink aircraft do not have middle seats, so both business and economy class travellers have a choice between aisle or window seats.

“Airlink’s modern fleet and strict compliance with bio-safety measures enables us to provide safe air travel and support the revival of tourism and economic activity that are vital for creating and sustaining jobs and livelihoods in Uganda and South Africa,” he assured. Airlink’s aircraft are fitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters in their cabin air systems. These remove 99.97% of all particulates, including Covid-19 molecules.