AIRLINK has applied for and is far along
the process of snapping up licences to
operate routes that SAA has cut back
on and, in some instances, appears to
have scrapped entirely.
Rodger Foster, Airlink md and ceo,
told TNW that the airline’s application
for licences to operate flights to Abuja,
Libreville, Douala, Luanda, Brazzaville,
Moroni and Cotonou had been approved
by the South African Air Licensing
Council.
He explains, however, that approval
doesn’t mean Airlink can operate the
flights immediately as there is still a
diplomatic protocol that needed to be
followed. Thereafter, Airlink becomes the
designated carrier to operate the route
in terms of the bilateral agreement.
Airlink then applies to the aerote.“
All of this can take some
time,” says Rodger, adding
that Airlink is getting itself
ready to operate as soon
as this process has been
concluded.
Airlink has also applied for
a licence to operate flights
to Mayotte and is awaiting
approval.
In September last year, SAA
announced a reduction in
frequencies on its Brazzaville
via Pointe Noire; Douala via
Libreville; Kinshasa; Entebbe;
Luanda; and Cotonou via
Libreville routes.
However, inventory loaded
on the GDS suggests
the airline is cutting its
Brazzaville, Douala and
Cotonou routes entirely, while
also reducing frequencies to
Luanda.
Rodger said the airline
didn’t foresee any change
in its longstanding franchise
relationship with SAA.
SAA has yet to issue a
statement or comment on
specific changes to its route
network.
