AIRLINK is to retire
its seven remaining
Jetstream 41s, which
will gradually be replaced by
Embraer ERJ-135s, resulting
in an increase in capacity and
shorter flying time to several
destinations.
The turboprops operate
flights connecting OR Tambo,
Phalaborwa, Polokwane,
Richards Bay, Maputo,
Durban’s King Shaka,
Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, East
London and Port Elizabeth on
behalf of SAA.
Airlink ceo, Rodger Foster,
said: “The intent would be to
replace operational aircraft
on a one-for-one basis with
additional Embraer ERJ135s.
The nett result will be an
increase in capacity of 28%
on flights where the J41 is
replaced by the ERJ135.”
The J41 is a 29-seat turboprop
aircraft whereas the
37-seat ERJ135 and the
83-seat AvroRJ85 are
regional jets.
Airlink’s fleet consists of 12
ARJ-85s, 14 ERJ-135s, and
one ERJ-145.
“Airlink now needs to focus
on simplification of its fleet
by way of rationalisation
of types and, to this end,
emphasis will be on increasing
its fleet of larger jet aircraft
to cope with growing demand
and greater distance." said Rodger.
Airlink changes fleet, ups capacity
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