TM www.skywaysmagazine.co.za 2016 Standing the test of time 1992 African Sky’, and displaying the distinctive South 2012 African national colours of blue, red, green and In June, SA Airlink sells a 32.51% stake of the gold, along with the brightly coloured sunbird company in a landmark broad-based black emblem. Airlink’s badging, while distinctly different economic empowerment transaction. In December, from the franchise brand, demonstrates clear ACSA presents six Feather Awards to SA Airlink alignment with SAA’s 'South African' brand. in recognition of consistent service excellence at ACSA airports. 2006 2013 1992 In March, SA Airlink commences direct services 2017 2019 Business partners Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb between Johannesburg and Kasane and between SA Airlink celebrates its 25th anniversary under successfully bid for liquidated Link Airways. The Johannesburg and Vilanculos, bringing the total the same leadership, and the 50th anniversary of 2018 In December, the Airports Company SA (ACSA) new airline is named Airlink. number of destinations in the SA Airlink one of its root airlines, Lowveld Air Services, which SA Airlink and FlySafair conclude negotiations for presents a Feather Award to SA Airlink in network to 31. started in 1967. In June, SA Airlink is chosen a merger/acquisition by SA Airlink of FlySafair. recognition of Best Performing Regional Airline. 1995 On 11 June, Airlink celebrates 21 years in the by the St Helena Government as its preferred The application for authorisation to proceed is “SA Airlink” is officially launched on 25 March at aviation industry. At this point, SA Airlink has a bidder to provide a scheduled airline service to turned down by the Competitions Commission on 2019 a gathering of important guests, including Queen turnover of more than two billion rand, employs the island. In August, the first of the airline’s new the grounds that the Competitions Commission SA Airlink establishes its high-tech training centre of Elizabeth II. about 1,000 staff, and carries one million-plus Embraer E-190 E-Jets begin operating on routes believes that SA Airlink and FlySafair are excellence in conjunction with Embraer, housing both SA Airlink brand aligns with that of SAA and 2008 customers annually. to Pietermaritzburg and Bulawayo. In December, competitors. The matter is referred to the Tribunal, an Embraer E190 and an Embraer ERJ145 simulator. SA Airlink joins the Voyager frequent flyer loyalty SA Airlink, having successfully completed the IATA ACSA presents Feather Awards to SA Airlink in but before arguments are presented the application These simulators operate up to five training slots per programme. Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), is placed on the 2015 recognition of Best Performing Regional Airline and is withdrawn, as the objectives of the shareholders day and greatly assist in the cognitive, associative IATA Register on 6 February, assuring customers of SA Airlink becomes the first domestic airline to Best Performing Domestic Airline. of SA Airlink and FlySafair had diverged. and autonomous stages of pilot training. 1997 the highest possible standard of service. offer scheduled flights between Cape Town and SA Airlink joins SAA and SA Express in a strategic the then recently refurbished Wonderboom Airport alliance that leads to the establishment of the 2009 in Pretoria. 2020 leading aviation network in Africa. In October, SA Airlink moves into its new SA Airlink resumes operations during COVID-19 lockdown SA Airlink and SA Express adopt the 'South head office in Greenstone Hill Office Park, 2016 level 3, operating on its own 4Z flight code, and terminates its African' franchise brand. Modderfontein. SA Airlink signs an agreement with the government 23-year franchise agreement with South African Airways (SAA) of Madagascar to operate domestic air services after SAA enters business rescue, defaults on its agreements with SA Airlink, and stops operating. 1999 2011 within Madagascar, and regional air services SA Airlink re-defines its business model as an independent Swaziland Airlink is formed as a joint venture In December, the Airports Company SA (ACSA) between Madagascar and key states within Africa comprehensive airline network incorporating all keys destinations company between Airlink and the Swaziland (now presents four Feather Awards to SA Airlink in and the Indian Ocean Islands. within South Africa and Southern Africa. Eswatini) government. recognition of consistent service excellence at SA Airlink, in partnership with Embraer, opens SA Airlink establishes itself as the most comprehensive airline ACSA airports. the Airlink Training Centre in Bonaero Park. network system in Southern Africa, offering more connections to 2000 key cities within Africa and the world by way of interconnectivity On 3 April, SA Airlink officially opens the Skukuza Airport, allowing direct access to globally 2014 within its own network and with the networks of its partner Kruger Park Gateway Airport in Phalaborwa. SA Airlink launches the return of scheduled air renowned wildlife destinations in the Kruger Park airlines. SA Airlink introduces flights to new destinations, On 30 August, the franchise agreement services between Cape Town and Johannesburg to and nearby Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, George, between SAA and SA Airlink is signed Dar es Salaam, Windhoek, Lubumbashi, Luanda and Maputo. as a bilateral relationship. Qatar Airways and Emirates sign interline agreements with Airlink that will provide passengers with seamless connectivity 2005 via Cape Town and Johannesburg to more than 45 destinations SA Airlink commences air services to within Southern Africa. Antananarivo in Madagascar. In September, SA Airlink (Pty) Ltd changes its corporate name to Airlink (Pty) Ltd to align the company with its trade name and 2006 brand 'Airlink', that had been in use since 2005. SA Airlink changes its corporate identity, adopting On 12 November, Airlink unveils its new livery and its new tail the brand 'Airlink', emphasising the airline’s insignia, clearly proclaiming its status as an independent airline. corporate positioning statement, ‘Freedom of the .