Airlink looks at more SAA routes

AIRLINK has applied for
the rights to fly to more
destinations currently
operated by SAA, including
the Johannesburg-Abuja route,
which SAA suspended earlier
this year.
SAA suspended flights to
Abuja on March 6 due to
repair work being done at the
Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport, but flights never
resumed due to “operational
reasons”. Asked when the
route would be reinstated, SAA
spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, told
TNW: “The situation has not
changed – that means, the
route remains suspended. SAA
will apply its re-accommodation
policy to facilitate travel for
passengers who may have had
advance bookings.”
Airlink md and ceo,
Rodger Foster, confirmed
that Airlink had applied to
fly the Johannesburg-Abuja
route, but he would not say
whether it planned to take
over the operating of the
route as part of SAA’s ‘route
rationalisation’ strategy. “It
is common knowledge that
SAA has elected to rationalise
routes from its network and,
as such, has withdrawn from
some destinations and is in
the process of discontinuing
services in some instances.
“Once fully compliant with
all regulatory requirements,
Airlink will commence services
on new routes, some of which
may have been previously
served by SAA,” said Rodger.
Johannesburg-Libreville,
Johannesburg-Douala and
Cape Town-Luanda are other
routes Airlink has applied for
the rights to operate. “We
have received decision letters
from the International Air
Services Council [in regard
to these routes],” he said.
However, he remained mum on
what the decision was.
Airlink has also applied for
the rights to fly to Brazzaville,
Moroni, Mayotte and Cotonou,
and awaits confirmation in
regard to these applications.
“We also have applications
pending for additional routes in
Africa,” Rodger added.