Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, announced the launch of its new daily Johannesburg-Nairobi service. The move is expected to provide greater choices for business and leisure travelers flying between the two major regional markets.
The new service schedule is designed to offer optimal connectivity through Airlink’s Johannesburg hub, with flights to and from destinations within South Africa, throughout Southern Africa, and worldwide through Airlink’s constellation of partner carriers, which includes many of the leading long-haul global carriers. Airlink will operate comfortable and efficient 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliners on the new service.
“We are excited to add Kenya to Airlink’s comprehensive sub-Saharan route network. It is an important, but under-served, route between two major economic hubs and which, since 2019 until today, offered no competition. Airlink’s entry on the route should be seen in the context of efforts by South Africa and Kenya to bolster bilateral tourism, trade and economic ties. Our competitive and convenient flights will promote tourism in both markets by letting travelers take advantage of the visa-free requirements for Kenyans visiting South Africa and South Africans wanting to visit Kenya,” explained Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
Nairobi is Airlink’s latest East African destination, alongside Dar es Salaam and Entebbe. The flights on the Johannesburg-Nairobi route will operate daily, departing Johannesburg at 09.40 and arriving in Nairobi at 14.45 with flight number 4Z 070. The return flight, 4Z 071, will depart Nairobi at 15.45 and arrive in Johannesburg at 19.05.
The entry of Airlink into the South Africa-Kenya market is expected to benefit travelers by providing more options and increased competition, which could lead to more affordable fares and improved services. It also signifies the efforts of both South Africa and Kenya to strengthen their bilateral ties and promote tourism and trade between the two countries.
Airlink’s Embraer E190 jetliners are known for their comfort and efficiency, providing a pleasant flying experience for passengers. The airline’s connectivity through its Johannesburg hub will allow travelers to easily connect to various destinations within South Africa, Southern Africa, and around the world through its partner carriers.
Airlink has been actively expanding its route network in recent years, and the addition of Nairobi as a destination further solidifies its presence in East Africa. The airline’s commitment to providing competitive and convenient flights, along with its focus on promoting tourism and economic ties between South Africa and Kenya, is expected to be welcomed by travelers and business communities alike.
As the first private sector airline to compete on the Johannesburg-Nairobi route, Airlink’s entry into the market is expected to bring positive changes to the travel industry in terms of increased choices, improved connectivity, and enhanced competition. With its reliable and efficient services, Airlink is poised to become a significant player in the South Africa-Kenya aviation market, contributing to the growth of tourism, trade, and economic relations between the two countries.
