Airlink will ramp up its regional air services with the launch of flights to the most populous city in Africa, Kinshasa, in The Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Johannesburg-Kinshasa flights begin from March 28 next year.
The new service will operate three times a week with modern 98-seat Embraer E190 twin-engine aircraft.
“The DR Congo is a significant market for Airlink. We first stepped into the ring in 2020 with flights to Lubumbashi and now we are ready to follow through by adding Kinshasa to our formidable regional network. This will give customers on the route far greater reach and travel options than they currently enjoy. Kinshasa is a regional heavyweight. Besides serving as the country’s political and economic capital, it is Africa’s most populous city with over 17 million inhabitants. With Airlink’s combination of schedule, connections and great service we expect to have a knock-out response,” said Airlink CEO and MD, Rodger Foster.
The flights are scheduled to provide convenient connections with Airlink’s South African domestic and impressive array of regional services, and with long-haul flights provided by its global airline partners. Airlink currently operates an expansive route network to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries and to St Helena.
The flights will have the following schedule:
4Z010 departs JNB at 20h30 and arrives at FIH at 23h40 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
4Z011 departs FIH at 00h25 and arrives at JNB at 05h30 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
On board
Airlink’s premium business-class and economy-class services are available on the route. The intra-continental business-class service features wide seats arranged in a two-plus-one abreast configuration with plenty of leg-room between each row. Service includes complimentary meals and beverages, a 30kg checked-in luggage allowance and priority boarding.
Economy-class fares include a 20kg checked-in luggage allowance, and full fare economy (Y class) ticketholders can check in up to 30kg of luggage at no charge. On board, customers are treated to a complimentary light meal and refreshments. Airlink offers a choice of aisle or window seats – Airlink aircraft do not have middle seats. All customers are entitled to a 15kg sporting equipment allowance.