Airlink, a South African airline, has entered the Kenyan market with the addition of Nairobi to its destinations. The airline has introduced daily flights operating between Nairobi and Johannesburg.
It will make Airlink the first private sector South African airline to operate on the route. The flights will commence on April 24th, 2023.
The route will be serviced by 98-seat Embraer E190 Jetliners. Confirming the flight times, Airlink disclosed that 4Z 070 would depart Johannesburg at 09.40 and arrive in Nairobi at 14.45, while 4Z 071 would depart Nairobi at 15.45 and arrive in Johannesburg at 19.05.
The entry of Airlink is set to offer increased competition to players including national carrier Kenya Airways. Airlink is eyeing business and leisure travelers, particularly in the wake of eased Visa restrictions between Kenya and South Africa.
“Airlink’s entry on the route supports last November’s agreement by Kenya and South Africa to eliminate trade barriers and strengthen commerce and economic ties by opening up business and cooperation between the two major economies in key sectors and markets. It also follows South Africa’s removal of visa requirements for Kenyans visiting South Africa for up to 90 days,” Airlink CEO Rodger Foster stated. South Africans do not require a Visa to enter Kenya.
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Flights can be booked on Airlink’s website and app or through travel agents.
Airlink’s premium business class and economy class services will be available on the route. Business class features wide seats, in a two plus one abreast configuration, complementary meals and beverages, priority boarding and a 30 kg luggage check-in allowance.
The addition of the Nairobi-Johannesburg route makes Kenya the 15th African country in Airlink’s network. The lifting of Visa restrictions is expected to significantly increase the number of Kenyan tourists and business travelers in South Africa – an opportunity Airlink is keen to capitalize on.
Foster noted that the move would also expand interconnectivity in Southern and East Africa.
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