AIRLINK TO SHIFT TECH STOP OF ST. HELENA FLIGHTS FROM WINDHOEK TO WALVIS BAY
(Posted 18th March 2019)
Effective 07th of April will Airlink route their twice a week Johannesburg to St. Helena flights via Walvis Bay, instead of via Windhoek.
The move makes sure that the airline can sell at least 11 more seats on the aircraft, which – while using the high elevation and high temperature Windhoek Airport – suffered load restrictions for the Embraer E190 aircraft.
Walvis Bay’s airport elevation, in contrast to the 5.600+ feet at Windhoek, is a mere 300 feet, conducive for maximum take off loads.
Another factor for the change was the repeatedly turn down request by Airlink to obtain fifth freedom traffic rights from Windhoek to St. Helena, eventually prompting the airline to stick to a tech stop but at a location more suitable for their purpose.
