South African private-sector airline Airlink has announced that it has taken a 40% strategic equity share in Namibian privately-held carrier FlyNamibia (part of Westair Aviation, founded in 1967). The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

The two airlines have further entered a franchise agreement, under which the Namibian carrier, while keeping its own aircraft livery, brand and corporate identity, will adopt Airlink’s International Air Transport Association designator 4Z for its ticket sales and scheduled flight codes. FlyNamibia will be promoted on the South African airline’s computerised reservation system and also on those of the major international airlines which have partnered with Airlink.

“Namibia’s economy is expanding and has the potential to grow rapidly with new off-shore drilling and mining, the resurgence in tourism and its establishment as a pioneering producer of green hydrogen for the global energy market,” highlighted FlyNamibia MD Andre Compion. “To realise its full economic potential, Namibia will depend increasingly upon air connectivity to move people and goods between markets. By joining hands with Airlink and becoming part of its global network, we will be even better able to serve foreign and local tourists and businesses. In addition, we will be building capacity, developing aviation skills and creating direct and indirect job opportunities.”

“Namibia is unique, not only in its natural, mineral and human wealth, but its relatively small population relative to the size of its territory,” noted Airlink CE and MD Rodger Foster. “With this in mind, we will be well-placed to achieve the economies of scale to make it economically feasible to connect and serve Namibia’s smaller towns and cities with Windhoek and other regional destinations while also providing convenient and easy access to other markets around the world. This will also support our and Namibia’s shared longer-term ambition to establish Hosea Kutako International Airport as the central connecting hub and base. In doing so, we will help to make air travel and transport more efficient and enhance Namibia’s competitive position as a destination for trade and tourism.”

Airlink will also supply additional support for FlyNamibia regarding airline operations, and commercial and technical skills training and development. The adjustments to the FlyNamibia bookings system will be introduced as soon as possible, with existing bookings being altered at no inconvenience or cost to its customers.

FlyNamibia reportedly currently operates a fleet of four Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. These can carry up to 50 passengers each.