Showing posts with label Airlink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Airlink. Show all posts

22 January, 2024

Disaster Nonprofit Airlink Announces Appointment of New Board Members from the Aviation and Logistics Sectors

 
Airlink, a leading humanitarian nonprofit harnessing the speed and power of the aviation sector to deliver aid globally, has announced the names of three new members of its Board of Trustees, beginning their three-year terms in January 2024. The newly appointed members include:

James Gagne: President and CEO, SEKO Logistics 

Dawne Hickton: Chair and CEO, Cumberland Additive, Inc.

Anand Stanley: President and Head of Region, Airbus Asia-Pacific

Adding these aviation and logistics industry professionals further solidifies Airlink's commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable global impact. Airlink provides free transport and logistical coordination to a network of over 200 vetted disaster response charities utilizing cash and in-kind donations from airlines, aviation businesses, and foundation grants to deliver aid globally. 

With this strategic expansion, Airlink continues to reinforce its position at the forefront of humanitarian and disaster logistics, as well as leverage its deep partnership base and connections among the aviation and logistics industries to deliver swift and effective humanitarian aid on behalf of impacted communities in times of global crisis.

"In 2022, we began working with Airlink in response to the war unfolding in Ukraine. That initial effort has expanded to numerous responses to crises across the world, delivering essential aid to those in need. It’s work of which I’m immensely proud, and for which I feel incredibly privileged to be impacting more closely as an Airlink board member,” said James Gagne, President and CEO of SEKO Logistics. 

“I am honoured and excited to join this amazing organization and look forward to working with a wonderful team of people who work around the clock during times of humanitarian crisis to fill the tremendous need for logistic resources and provide disaster relief,” said Dawne Hickton, Chair and CEO, Cumberland Additive, Inc.

“Airlink is expanding its global humanitarian impact, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which is very exciting. I am proud to be associated with and hope to make an impact on its Board,” said Anand Stanley, President and Head of Region, Airbus Asia-Pacific

As Airlink embraces this new chapter, it remains dedicated to fostering partnerships, innovation, and collaboration within the aviation and humanitarian sectors, solidifying its role as a vital force in global aid and disaster response.

“Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise within the aviation and logistics sectors, embodying Airlink's dedication to transforming disaster logistics and expanding its global reach to serve more communities,” said Todd Freeman, Chair of the Airlink Board of Trustees. "Their guidance and expertise will be instrumental in shaping Airlink's strategies, enhancing our global reach, and furthering our mission to connect the world’s most vulnerable communities in times of disaster." 

19 August, 2023

Disaster response nonprofit airlink welcomes aviation industry leaders to governors council on world humanitarian day and national aviation day




Celebrating World Humanitarian Day and National Aviation Day - August 19th, the global disaster response nonprofit Airlink has announced the addition of seven aviation industry leaders to its prestigious Governors Council. Airlink plays a unique role in fostering collaboration between the private and philanthropic sectors to provide free air transport to a global network of 150 disaster response nonprofit organizations responding to natural and man-made disasters worldwide.

Airlink's Governors Council comprises leaders in the aviation and logistics sector who (personally or through their organization) inspire other individuals and organizations to join the aviation industry’s leading disaster relief movement. Governors Council members are invited to join the group based on their and their company's support of Airlink. Members are current CEOs (or equivalent) of Airlink’s partners. All share a dedication to helping people and communities impacted by natural and man-made disasters.

The newly appointed members include prominent figures from top passenger and cargo carriers, each dedicated to making a positive impact in the aviation industry and the global community. Their airlines have played a key role in Airlink’s responses to the Hawaii Wildfires, the cholera outbreak in Haiti, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighboring countries supporting displaced Ukrainians. The new members of Airlink's Governors Council are:

Scott Kirby - CEO, United Airlines

Michael Steen - CEO, Atlas Air

Robert Isom - CEO, American Airlines

Bob Jordan - President and CEO, Southwest Airlines

Ben Minicucci - President and CEO, Alaska Airlines 

Tim Strauss - CEO, Amerijet

Güliz Öztürk - CEO, Pegasus

"We are delighted to welcome these distinguished aviation leaders to Airlink's Governors Council," said Steven J. Smith, President and CEO of Airlink. "The aviation industry plays a crucial role in global humanitarian efforts, and Airlink serves as a critical bridge between the private sector, airlines, and humanitarian organizations to deliver aid and hope to communities facing adversity worldwide."

World Humanitarian Day and National Aviation Day on the same date hold a special significance for Airlink. By leveraging the resources and capabilities of its airline and aviation industry partners (through in-kind and cash donations), Airlink facilitates the rapid and free transportation of aid and responders to disaster-affected regions, ensuring that help reaches those in need swiftly. The organization supports a pre-screened global network of 150 NGO partners with free transport and logistical coordination. 

Because Airlink covers the cost of transport for its NGO partners, those NGOs can then procure more supplies of aid and conduct longer and more extensive disaster response and humanitarian crisis programs. “The aviation and logistics industries are the unsung heroes of disaster response,” said Steve Smith. “The first step in disaster response is getting there.”  

28 June, 2023

AerCap agree lease deal with Airlink for three Embraer E195-E1 Aircraft with

AerCap Holdings has confirmed today the lease placements with Southern African regional carrier, Airlink,  for three used Embraer E195 aircraft. The first aircraft was delivered in March, while the second and third aircraft are scheduled for delivery in July 2023.  

"We are very pleased to welcome Airlink as a new customer to AerCap with the lease of three E195 aircraft," said Peter Anderson, the Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. "We wish all the team at Airlink every success and look forward to working with them for many years to come."

"Airlink is on a steady growth path, expanding its network, schedule and market share.  With AerCap's support on these leases, we will be able to maintain this upward trajectory. The efficiencies derived from continuity across our fleet will help us contain costs and continue providing great value and affordable air travel to our customers." said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.

16 June, 2023

CDB Aviation sells one Embraer E190 to African carrier Airlink


CDB Aviation has confirmed the execution of a sale and purchase agreement for one Embraer E190 aircraft with South African airline Airlink.


The aircraft, previously on lease to BA Cityflyer, was delivered to Airlink in May 2023, coinciding with the airline’s celebration of connecting Southern Africa for 31 years. The transaction was the inaugural sale of the aircraft type from CDB Aviation’s portfolio. Prior to the sale, the lessor had 20 units of the E190 in its fleet on lease to various carriers globally.

“The E190 segment is seeing a rebound amid rising interest rates and robust demand in all areas of the market as airlines recognize the potential of the 100-seat narrow-body configured aircraft for boosting the capacity of their fleets,” stated Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re pleased to have executed this first off-lease sale from our portfolio of E190s, and we trust that this aircraft, with its unique operational advantages, is a perfectly suitable aircraft type for such a major player in the South African domestic and regional market as Airlink.”

Rodger Foster, Airlink’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Airlink operates a large portfolio of E-Jets, and we are excited about the purchase of this E190 from CDB Aviation to add to our fleet. This is a good example of the E190 type as it has an impeccable pedigree having been maintained by BA Cityflyer and is eligible for immediate induction into service. The E-Jet type is the right fit for most of the markets within Airlink’s expanding intra-African network, enabling the delivery of appropriate frequency of service and availability that accords with market demand at the right time of the day. Our customers simply love the value proposition of the double two-abreast seating configuration.”


15 February, 2023

Aviation and Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Relief Efforts

                              The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed its deep condolences to the people of Türkiye and Syria who have been affected by the devastating earthquake in the region. IATA highlighted the important contributions from the aviation industry to the relief effort both with the immediate search-and-rescue efforts and for long-term humanitarian aid.

“This tragedy has deeply moved us and the world. On behalf of IATA member airlines, we express our deep sorrow to the people of Türkiye and Syria. Our thoughts are with all those who are impacted by this horrific event. We salute the heroic efforts of the rescue workers who have saved many people and continue to search for and look after survivors. Aviation is playing a major role in supporting these efforts and in delivering the humanitarian aid that will be critical in sustaining people through the recovery,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

In addition to the tremendous endeavours being undertaken by our members in the affected regions—namely Corendon Airlines, Freebird Airlines, MNG Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, SyrianAir and Turkish Airlines—airlines globally are making individual efforts to transport equipment, aid, and specialist personnel to the affected areas. Some of the airlines involved include:

09 February, 2023

Codeshare deal with Airlink opens up Southern Africa for British Airways passengers....


British Airways has announced a codeshare partnership with Airlink, improving connectivity between the UK, Europe, North America and more than 15 destinations in Southern Africa.

With bases in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban in South Africa, Airlink is a premium regional airline with a wide-reaching network of cities in 14 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.

The agreement means British Airways’ customers travelling from or transiting through London will be able to connect to their final destination via Cape Town or Johannesburg on a single ticket.  This will offer more choice and flexibility for those travelling on to one of 18 towns and cities, such as Windhoek in Namibia and Durban in South Africa.

British Airways currently flies twice daily between London Heathrow and Johannesburg with A380 aircraft, twice daily between London Heathrow and Cape Town with B777 and A350 aircraft and three times per week between London Gatwick and Cape Town with B777 aircraft.

Members of British Airways’ loyalty programme, the Executive Club, can earn Avios when flying on Airlink flights on a British Airways’ codeshare journey. Avios is the programme’s currency, which can be used as part-payment towards Reward Flights or upgrades, as well as hotel stays, car hire and more.

08 February, 2023

British Airways and Airlink announce codeshare deal


British Airways has announced a codeshare partnership with Airlink, improving connectivity between the UK, Europe, North America and more than 15 destinations in Southern Africa.

With bases in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban in South Africa, Airlink is a premium regional airline with a wide-reaching network of cities in 14 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.

The agreement means British Airways’ customers travelling from or transiting through London will be able to connect to their final destination via Cape Town or Johannesburg on a single ticket.  This will offer more choice and flexibility for those travelling on to one of 18 towns and cities, such as Windhoek in Namibia and Durban in South Africa.

British Airways currently flies twice daily between London Heathrow and Johannesburg with A380 aircraft, twice daily between London Heathrow and Cape Town with B777 and A350 aircraft and three times per week between London Gatwick and Cape Town with B777 aircraft.

Members of British Airways’ loyalty programme, the Executive Club, can earn Avios when flying on Airlink flights on a British Airways’ codeshare journey. Avios is the programme’s currency, which can be used as part-payment towards Reward Flights or upgrades, as well as hotel stays, car hire and more.

24 September, 2022

Air Belgium expands Southern Africa route offering with Airlink


Air Belgium has signed a new commercial agreement with South Africa’s independent and premier airline, Airlink, which conveniently connects customers travelling to or from Brussels, with 36 destinations across Southern Africa.

This follows the recent inauguration of Air Belgium’s new service between Brussels, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, using the fuel-efficient Airbus A330neo aircraft.

This first cooperation agreement between both companies offers Air Belgium customers the ability to purchase multi-sector journeys for flights operated by Air Belgium and Airlink, on a single ticket. It includes the added ability to have their luggage checked through their final destination when transiting through Johannesburg.

It simplifies travel to bucket-list Southern African destinations for Air Belgium customers across the Airlink network, wanting a convenient long-haul service between the heart of the European Union’s capital and South Africa plus 11 neighbouring Countries.

Commenting on the agreement, Niky Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium, says: “South Africa is in high demand for Belgian and European travellers. We are delighted that our dynamic agreement with Airlink will allow us to offer our customers seamless connections to 12 popular South African leisure and business destinations such as the Kruger National Park, Durban and Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) as well as important business destinations like Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Richards Bay amongst others. We’re also excited to be able to offer our passengers the possibility to travel to bucket-list destinations within the SADC region as well as the DRC.”

16 June, 2022

Emirates and Airlink have officially activated their codeshare partnership



Emirates and Airlink have officially activated their codeshare partnership. The Emirates and Airlink partnership makes it easier for customers to create their ideal itinerary and benefit from seamless connections and a single booking reference across eight domestic South African cities via the airline’s gateways Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Travel itineraries can now be booked on emirates.com, with travel agents as well as online travel agents (OTAs). Tickets booked from June 2022 are available for travel immediately.

Emirates customers can now book a wide range of additional flights, including eight destinations from Johannesburg, five destinations from Cape Town and one point from Durban. Examples of some new route options include Bloemfontein, Hoedspruit, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, George, and East London, amongst others.

Emirates currently offers double daily flights to Dubai from Johannesburg, daily flights to Dubai from Cape Town and five weekly flights to and from Durban. The airline is also driving more connectivity options that provide value through a better experience for its customers. With the revival of its South African Airways partnership, as well as its codeshare agreement with Airlink, and interlines with Cemair and FlySafair, the airline has expanded its reach to 79 regional points in southern Africa.




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14 October, 2021

Ethiopian Airlines and Airlink of South Africa form interline agreement

Ethiopian Airlines has signed an interline agreement with the Johannesburg based local carrier Airlink, which will allow passengers the option to enjoy seamless travel with a single ticket and lower fare tickets between points within the carriers’ synergized networks. 

With the interline agreements between the two carriers, passengers can book through their itineraries on both airlines easily. The partnership attracts more customers providing ease of connectivity to their destinations served by both Ethiopian and Airlink.  

Mr Tewolde Gebremariam, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines remarked, “In our continuous  commitment and endeavour to expand our service beyond our extensive network in Africa, we are  happy to enhance our cooperation and add Airlink to our list of growing partners in Africa.” he  added, “As South Africa represents the continent’s largest market and with the significant changes  in the region’s industry players, implementation of this interline agreement will create ease of  access to those travelling to/from South African regional airports and Ethiopian destinations  across five continents.” 

Ethiopian Airlines has been implementing various partnership agreements with African and global carriers to further expand its accessibility to its customers. The partnership with Artlink, in particular, will increase seamless connectivity options for customers in the regions of South Africa with the vast network of Ethiopian Airlines in the continent and beyond. Ethiopian Airlines connectivity options are crucial in fulfilling the increasing demand of our customers. Ethiopian and Airlink customers will handle each other’s travellers check-in and baggage for all their flights with the airlines. Airlink provides services between smaller, under-served towns and larger hub airports. Hence, through the interline agreement signed with Ethiopian, customers from South Africa will benefit from more than 60 African destinations of Ethiopian.

Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy-five years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers,  unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR,  Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. 

The carrier is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025  that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business units:  Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services; Ethiopian MRO  Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian ADD Hub Ground Services, Ethiopian  Airports Services and Ethiopian Express Services (Domestic).  






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29 September, 2021

United and Airlink agree codeshare deal

This week, United Airlines and Airlink, a South African airline, announced a new codeshare agreement that will offer customers more connections between the U.S. and Southern Africa than any other airline alliance. The new agreement, which is subject to government approval, will offer one stop connections from the U.S. to more than 40 destinations in Southern Africa. Additionally, United will be the first airline to connect its loyalty program with Airlink, allowing MileagePlus members to earn and redeem miles when they travel on Airlink flights. This new cooperation will be in addition to United's existing partnership with Star Alliance member South African Airways.

"United continues to demonstrate our commitment to Africa, starting three brand new flights to the continent this year alone including new service to Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg, South Africa," said Patrick Quayle, vice president of international network and alliances at United. "And now through our codeshare agreement with Airlink - which is the most expansive partnership in Southern Africa - customers will be able to easily explore more bucket list destinations across the continent including easy connections to Zambia, Zimbabwe and more."


United has continued to expand its footprint into Africa, with direct service to four African destinations. Earlier this month, United announced flights between Washington, D.C. and Lagos Nigeria will begin November 29, subject to government approval. Earlier this year, United launched new service between New York/Newark and Johannesburg, South Africa and between Washington, D.C. and Accra, Ghana, which is expected to operate daily this December and January. United's popular service between New York/Newark and Cape Town, South Africa will also resume on December 1.

"North America is an important source market for our destinations. This codeshare will make it easy for our North American customers to reach the Okavango Delta, Chobe, the Kruger National Park and adjacent private game lodges, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Swakopmund and the Copperbelt, among others," said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster. "Similarly, the codeshare means that our customers in the 12 African countries we currently serve, will have fast and seamless access to all of United's network."

This new codeshare will be implemented upon final government approvals





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02 February, 2021

Airlink halts Johannesburg and Polokwane service for the whole of February

photo Johan Nicolaisn
South African airline Airlink has confirmed the suspension of its air services between Johannesburg and Polokwane for the month of February.

“Unfortunately a combination of factors, most notably the latest surge in COVID-19 infections and the Level 3 lockdown restrictions which are intended to curb the virus’s spread, have decimated demand on what is traditionally an important and busy business travel route.  We are temporarily suspending the service until 03 March 2021, by which time we trust the situation will have improved,"  said Airlink Managing Director and CEO, Rodger Foster.

The company says it should resume services in March with an enhanced schedule of daily early morning and late afternoon return flights, enabling same-day return services between the two cities.



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Lufthansa and SWISS are partnering with Airlink to reach 45 destinations in Southern Africa

Lufthansa and SWISS are partnering with Airlink, to offer customers access to over 25 domestic destinations in South Africa, including Bloemfontein, George, Upington, Skukuza, Nelspruit, Hoedspruit and Port Elizabeth - as well as over 20 regional destinations in Southern Africa, such as Gaborone, Kasane, Vilanculos, Maun, Victoria Falls, Maputo, Windhoek, Harare, Lusaka, Ndola, Bulawayo and many more.

The interline agreement which came into effect in January 2021, allows customers the convenience of purchasing a single ticket to or from a multitude of destinations in Southern Africa, via Airlink’s gateways in Johannesburg and Cape Town, therefore offering a truly seamless travel experience across both
airlines.

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