Latest news with #Airlink
News24
a day ago
- Business
- News24
Airlink set to finalise lease agreement for 10 new aircraft
Regional airline Airlink has 68 Embraer aircraft as part of its fleet. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Aviation's role in helping Africa become an economic superpower
As home to the world's youngest workforce, paired with evolving legislation and massive capacity for expansion of airline services, Africa has unprecedented potential for development, writes Thierry Antinori. With the world's youngest and fastest growing workforce and rich natural resources, it is well documented that Africa has vast potential for socio economic development. Much has been said and written about how to unleash that potential, but the continent's people, business and political leaders have what it takes to turn Africa into an economic giant. A major reason for this is the continent's energetic, entrepreneurial spirit. It is clear that work still needs to be done. Increasing productivity is essential to restoring Africa's economic vitality and promoting growth. The aviation sector is a perfect example of where the challenge – and potential – lies. While home to 18 per cent of the global population, Africa makes up just two per cent of global air traffic, and two per cent of international trade. At the same time, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the world's major aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, forecast that Africa is the only airline market that will grow significantly over the next 20 years. As a major global airline, Qatar Airways is keenly aware of the potential Africa holds and is laser-focused on ensuring that aviation plays an important role in connecting Africa. The aviation sector would drive and promote Africa's social, economic and political integration and boost trade and tourism. This has driven Qatar Airways to make investments and network expansions that support this goal. You only have to look at Qatar Airways' recent investment in Southern Africa's premier independent regional airline, Airlink; a new route to Kinshasa and its existing engagement in the development of Rwanda's aviation sector, to see that these words are backed by action. It's why, for example, Qatar Airways has adjusted its services leading to its current Africa-wide summer capacity that averages over 44,000 seats per week, equating to a maximum of 180 flights a week to about 30 cities across the continent. Moreover, Qatar Airways' passengers travelling between Cape Town and Doha will, as of 1st of June, be able to access Starlink's cutting-edge internet connectivity on-board select flights, allowing them to enjoy a fully complimentary and ultra-fast Wi-Fi service for streaming, gaming, and working seamlessly at 35,000 feet. As Qatar Airways celebrates its 20th anniversary in South Africa, the continued focus on the schedule and improved passenger experience reflects its commitment to the country and continent. The airline's recent acquisition of a 25% stake in South Africa's regional airline, Airlink, underscores its confidence in Africa's tourism growth potential. But it is not just route frequencies that are helping drive aviation's role in helping manifest Africa's potential. Legislation is also a factor. The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) aims to harmonise Africa's airspace, improve air traffic management, and increase intra-African air connectivity. So far, 34 African countries have signed up. The movement is promising and will be more effective once all African countries come onboard. We will need the best people working in aviation if the projected tourism numbers are to be met. The total contribution of travel and tourism to Africa's GDP was USD191 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to rise by 4.4 per cent annually from 2024 to 2034. The impact of this on the continent's workforce cannot be overstated. It is projected that by 2034, travel and tourism would support 38,760,000 jobs (6.0% of total employment), an increase of 3.9% per annum since 2024, according to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) research. Qatar Airways' commitment to Africa has been underscored with a steady recruitment drive to bolster the nearly 8,500 full-time employees from across Africa that are currently working within the Qatar Airways Group, both in Doha and the outstations. Qatar Airways' continuous strategy-aligned recruitment drive to help develop human capital across Africa accelerates the airline's growth in the region, which will continue to unlock hundreds of vacancies in fields such as cabin services, cargo and airport operations, customer services, engineering, flight operations as well as retail and hospitality services. This provides opportunities for exciting and fulfilling careers for young Africans with the world's best and fastest growing airline and helps drive aviation's role as a driver of regional and global development. This commitment has led to Qatar Airways being voted the most desirable company to work for in countries like Algeria, Morocco, Seychelles, Uganda and Zimbabwe, according to With greater employment opportunities comes the associated economic benefits. The ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a major component of the African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063, was drawn up to accelerate the continent's socio-economic growth. The AU anticipates that Agenda 2063 will catalyse the integration of African regional markets, stimulating growth and supporting the welfare of its people. Underpinning that is the role of faster, easier, more economically viable trade networks, expediting the movement of people and goods. The numbers speak for themselves. The WTTC estimates that international visitors will spend USD71.5 billion across Africa this year; an increase of USD11.2 billion from last year, and domestic visitors will spend USD101.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.8 per cent. Leisure spending still outweighs business spending at 70.1 per cent. The momentum of the aviation sector's contribution in Africa's development must be maintained. As governments fully embrace the freedom of movement under an 'Open Skies' policy, liberalisation of Africa's airspace promises to spur trade and development and deliver improved connectivity within Africa and between the continent and rest of the world. Aviation plays a central role in infrastructure development, economic growth and tourism, generating $6 in economic activity for every $1 spent. According to a 2020 study conducted by the Air Transport Action Group, airlines, airport operators, retailers and other aviation related businesses supported 7.7 million jobs across Africa and generated a $63 billion contribution to GDP. Business and its associated out-turns such as employment, always thrives where there is dependable, safe, and competitively priced air transport network. Now more than ever before, it is important that we all work hand-in-hand to ensure that we unlock all of the potential and benefits that come with better connectivity in Africa. Commercial aviation stands ready and is in many ways already playing its part in helping ensure that Africa emerges as the global economic superpower it is capable of becoming.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
SkyWest, Lithuania deals lift Embraer at Paris Airshow
SAO PAULO/PARIS, June 18 (Reuters) - Investors and analysts on Wednesday welcomed fresh deals announced by Brazilian planemaker Embraer ( opens new tab at the Paris Airshow, including a major regional jet order from SkyWest and a defense agreement with Lithuania. The announcements helped Embraer's shares climb as much as 5%, making it the top performer on Brazil's benchmark stock index Bovespa (.BVSP), opens new tab, and underscored positive sales momentum for the company. Embraer got off to a turbulent start on Monday at Le Bourget as Polish carrier LOT, a long-time E-Jet operator, chose Airbus' ( opens new tab A220 regional jet over the Brazilian firm's E2 family after a hard-fought contest for a landmark 40-airplane deal. But it recouped ground on Wednesday as U.S. airline SkyWest placed a firm order for 60 E175 jets valued at $3.6 billion at list price, with options for 50 more. The deal was described as a "mega order" by Embraer's commercial aviation head, Arjan Meijer, who added in a statement that the E175 was the "cornerstone of regional aviation in North America." Santander analysts praised it as a "strong positive development" for Embraer due to the meaningful boost to its backlog and indications of continued demand for the first-generation models in the key region. The Brazilian firm also revealed that South Africa-based Airlink plans to lease 10 second-generation E195-E2 jets from Azorra, a move which Itau BBA believes could lead to further orders from the U.S. lessor in the future. On the defense front, Lithuania said it had tapped Embraer's KC-390 airlifter for its fleet, paving the way for the acquisition of three aircraft. Financial details were not disclosed. Analysts say the move may fuel more orders from European and NATO countries, with nations such as Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands having also selected the aircraft, which competes with Lockheed Martin's (LMT.N), opens new tab C-130. "We see potential for at least 50 new orders for the C-390 from NATO countries with the rise in defense investments in Europe," Bradesco BBI said in a note to clients. Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker after Airbus and Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab, has been riding tailwinds on the back of strong demand for its jets. Its shares have surged 30% so far this year, building on gains of more than 150% in 2024.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aviation and Humanitarian Logistics Leader to Step Down
Washington, DC, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After thirteen years as the leader of Airlink, the aviation and logistics humanitarian relief NGO, President & CEO Steve Smith will step down at the end of September 2025. As Airlink's first and only CEO, Smith built and led a groundbreaking global aviation industry humanitarian initiative. Since its inception, Airlink has facilitated worldwide aid and relief to more than 60 million people through its unique relationships with airlines and NGOs. 'Everything Airlink has achieved was made possible by its aviation and logistics partners, volunteer corps, generous donors, and most importantly, a world-class team of dedicated professionals,' said Smith. 'Together, we've built a globally recognized organization that has helped to redefine the relationship between aviation and logistics companies, and relief organizations.' Smith led the organization through dozens of major responses over the years, including the 2014-2015 Ebola response in West Africa (recognized by President Clinton), the Ukraine War (where Airlink transported over 2,400 tons of supplies and 1,100 responders to help Ukrainian civilians), and more recently the humanitarian responses in Gaza and Sudan. He navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to refine Airlink's model to address the ever-changing environment of humanitarian aid and relief, driven by geopolitics, increasing global conflicts, and climate change. 'On behalf of the Airlink Board of Directors, I would like to thank Steve for his service to the organization and for his leadership over the past 13 years,' said Todd Freeman, Board Chair. 'As we celebrate Airlink's 15-year anniversary, we acknowledge the strong foundation of relationships and best practices that Steve has established. His dedicated work has positioned the organization optimally for future growth and success.' Bob Brown, founder of Airlink, said, 'It was an enormous privilege to watch Steve build this vibrant and successful organization from its early days. We were fortunate to find such a dedicated and talented leader who embodied the ideals of the organization. We will be forever grateful to Steve and his family.' A search committee of the Board led by Airlink Board Chair, Todd Freeman, has been formed and will be directing the search for Smith's successor. About Airlink, Inc. Airlink is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free or discounted airlift and logistical solutions to vetted nonprofit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 200 aid organizations and over 50 commercial and charter airlines. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink has flown 13,500 relief workers and transported 18 million pounds of humanitarian cargo, directly helping 60 million people impacted by natural and man-made disasters. In 2025 Airlink celebrates its 15th anniversary. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. CONTACT: Natalie Johnson Airlink 316-518-9792 njacobsen@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Qatar Airways profit jumps 28% to $2.1 bn, expects strong demand ahead
State-owned Qatar Airways posted an annual net profit of a record 7.8 billion riyals ($2.1 billion) for the 2024 financial year ended March 31, up 28% from a year earlier, the company said on Monday, and expects strong demand ahead. Demand from the Gulf has defied a global slowdown, with regional airlines reporting steady bookings even as trade tensions, currency swings and recession fears weigh on key Western markets. CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the company had established strategic partnerships across the industry to enable it to "remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental." "Our best year commercially in the airline's history was 2024 and we fully expect demand in 2025 to remain as strong," Al-Meer said in a statement. Revenue and other operating income rose over 6% to 86 billion riyals for the 12 months ended March 31. The airline carried just over 43 million passengers over the year, up 7.8% year-on-year. Network capacity grew by 4% compared to the previous financial year. Over the past year, Qatar Airways has acquired a 25% stake in Virgin Australia and a 25% stake in South Africa-based regional carrier Airlink. It placed an order last week for 160 Boeing 777X and 787 planes with GE Aerospace engines worth $96 billion, the largest ever widebody deal for the companies, during U.S. President Donald Trump's high-profile visit to Qatar. Qatar Airways saw above-market growth in passenger numbers from April 2024 until January this year, a senior executive told Reuters in March, up 9% across its network.
