(Posted 24th April 2023)
Airlink, Southern Africa’s privately owned airline, today launched its new daily Johannesburg-Nairobi service, becoming the first private sector airline to compete on this route.
Airlink’s entry into the SA-Kenya market now provides greater choices for business and leisure travellers flying between the two major regional markets. This is of added importance as travelers from both countries are now granted entry without having to apply for Visa before travel.
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 operates a 98-seat Embraer E190 jet 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 travellers 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, completing a presence in the three core and founder countries of the East African Community.
Flights on the route will operate daily at these times:
4Z 070 departs Johannesburg 09.40, arrives Nairobi 14.45
4Z 071 departs Nairobi 15.45, arrives Johannesburg 19.05
Customers wanting to travel on these Airlink routes can book and manage their trips on flyairlink.com, Airlink’s smartphone app or through travel agents.
Onboard
Airlink’s premium Business Class and Economy Class services are available on the route.
Airlink’s intra-continental Business Class service on its state-of-the-art Embraer E-jets features wide seats arranged in a two-plus-one abreast configuration with plenty of legroom between each row. Service includes complimentary meals and beverages, a 30kg check-in luggage allowance and priority boarding.
Airlink’s Economy Class fares includes 20kg free checked luggage and a 15kg sporting equipment allowance. Onboard, their customers receive a complimentary light meal, refreshments and find generous leg room and a choice of aisle or window seat.