The collapse of airlines such as SA Express, Mango Airlines, Kulula and British Airways in recent months underscores a tough aviation industry in which losing money is easier than generating it.
Having recently posted a record $1.54-billion in profits despite the pandemic, Qatar Airways is looking to expand the number of destinations it flies to around the world . Qatar Airways’ search is pointing towards Africa, and South Africa in particular.Hendrik du Preez, Qatar Airways’ Doha-based vice president for Africa, said the airline group is still bullish about South Africa even though it is mindful of economic and aviation-specific challenges in the country.
Since the pandemic started in early 2020, Qatar Airways has opened eight flight routes/destinations in the rest of Africa, among them Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Rwanda, Nigeria and Egypt. Qatar Airways and Airlink will be able to operate flights on each other’s behalf, using their respective aviation operations.
Where’s Emirates?