Airlink plans major network expansion through hubbing

AIRLINK’S REGIONAL network is growing fast. The airline added a twice-weekly Pemba service at the end of March, Nosy Be will be launched shortly, and there are more plans in the pipeline. But Airlink Cargo has more ambitious plans to serve its diverse customer base. “We want to offer express services from anywhere to anywhere, including regional destinations,” says managing director Alwyn Rautenbach. “That’s our new focus and we hope to achieve it by entering into pro rate agreements with other airlines. “On the domestic leg we hope to link up with SAA and Express Air Services, offering customers a seamless route from Margate to Cape Town, for example. But we’re also hoping to extend the concept to overborder destinations. “We could look at a service from Pemba to Europe, for example, using Johannesburg as the hub. “We’re a small airline, serving many of the smaller destinations. We believe that by linking up with bigger players we would create a win-win partnership for all concerned.”