(Posted 21st July 2023)
FlyNamibia, the privately-owned domestic and regional airline, is joining Airlink to promote its flights and services to travel agents worldwide on the Global Distribution System (GDS).
Through the GDS, Airlink, the premier independent South African-based airline, has global
reach and the ability to display and sell its inventory in many markets. From 24 th July 2023,
FlyNamibia will enjoy the same global access on a franchisee basis.
Simultaneously, FlyNamibia will launch its new website – co-branded with Airlink – which will be
linked directly into the Amadeus Altea reservation portal. This will make the booking process
simpler and more user-friendly.
FlyNamibia CEO, Andre Compion said “joining the GDS is a major milestone for our growing
airline and it will be a boost for Namibia because it makes our flights, network and schedule visible to customers in parts of the world that, until now, we have been unable to access. It also lets us provide customers with a convenient, user-friendly and seamless booking platform”.
“This is one of the logical progressions we envisaged when Airlink invested in FlyNamibia last September. It will help us strengthen air services within Namibia and support the Namibia Airports Company in positioning Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport as an alternative SADC region gateway hub. By building connectivity and extending FlyNamibia’s reach, we will unlock new markets and efficiencies for Namibia’s business, trade, travel and tourism sectors,” explained Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
Last September Airlink acquired a 40 percent stake in FlyNamibia in an investment that signaled
its confidence and faith in Namibia and its bright economic prospects.
“Namibia’s economic expansion is stimulating demand for travel to and from the country. FlyNamibia’s access to the GDS exponentially enhances and increases our ability to tap into this and open new markets. Whilst we are moving closer and deepening our relationship with Airlink, FlyNamibia will continue to operate its own flights and retain its own unique brand and image. This dovetails neatly with Namibia’s Harambee Prosperity Plan II and the National Transport Policy vision for efficient, world-class air transport services,” explained Mr Compion.
Although FlyNamibia’s inventory will be displayed on the GDS from 24 th July, all bookings for
flights taking place up to and including 28 th August, will be managed on FlyNamibia’s current
reservation system, www.flynamibia.com.na . Reservations for FlyNamibia flights from 29
August onwards will be processed on the GDS with customers able to follow instructions on the
website which will be linked to the new booking portal. FlyNamibia will maintain parallel
systems for six weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Customers can also book FlyNamibia tickets through major travel agencies or by contacting
FlyNamibia’s 24/7 contact centre, tel: +264 83 339 0011.
Follow FlyNamibia’s social media channels for further updates.
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FlyNamibia is Namibia’s first privately-owned scheduled passenger airline,
operating within the country and to a growing network of Southern African destinations. With a
commitment to exceptional service and a focus on connecting people to captivating
destinations, FlyNamibia aims to provide an outstanding travel experience for its passengers
while fostering economic growth within Namibia. FlyNamibia recently received its International
Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit accreditation, confirming its
operational processes meet stringent internationally-benchmarked standards.
FlyNamibia announced its partnership with Airlink, southern Africa’s largest private airline, in September 2022.
Airlink underpinned the partnership by acquiring a minority shareholding in FlyNamibia. This commercial and operational collaboration will see FlyNamibia expand its network and schedule with more destinations and flights, connecting Namibia with other key markets in the region and beyond.
