South Africa’s Airlink has reaffirmed its commitment with FlyNamibia to build a route network that bolsters the country’s industrial and economic strategy.
The collaborative effort aims to promote regional integration and position Namibia as a key player.
Airlink and FlyNamibia entered into a partnership in September 2022, where Airlink acquired a 40% stake. The joint venture saw FlyNamibia breakaway from WestAir Aviation.
“We are already working with our friends at the Namibian Airports Company, and the country’s newly established ground handling enterprise, Paragon, to position Hosea Kutako International Airport as an efficient, competitive and attractive key intra-African and long-haul gateway to the region,” said Airlink Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
“We trust that our combined endeavours will be seen as part of President Geingob’s impressive legacy to Namibians and the development of our entire region.”
He said this while paying tribute to the late President Hage Geingob who died on 4 February at the age of 82.
Foster reminisced that Geingob needed no persuading of the strategic value and economic contribution of air connectivity.
“Instead, he [Geingob] appreciated our sector’s role in unlocking the potential of tourism, trade, commerce and cultural ties. He saw how this could translate into broader prosperity and social stability, in other words, the fundamental building blocks of a strong and vibrant nation,” he added.
Furthermore, he said the late president was never entirely comfortable relying on the private sector and foreign carriers to maintain Namibia’s contact with key markets.
Foster said Geingob never stood in the way when it became clear that the industry and the State both depended on creating a flourishing economy.
“The connections we establish and strengthen do just that, by bringing with them wide-spread social and economic benefits for Namibia, without distressing its fiscus and burdening its limited tax base. Thus, Airlink will remember Geingob as a loyal servant of the Namibian people, a valiant fighter and committed campaigner for Namibia’s independence and self-determination, and a champion of inclusivity, democracy and constitutionally-led values,” said Foster.
In addition, Airlink echoed that it will forever remain indebted to Geingob and his administration for the trust placed then culminating into an opportunity to serve Windhoek and Walvis Bay.
“It is no secret that investments in green hydrogen, oil, gas, uranium and other resources have brought Namibia to the cusp of unprecedented growth,” Foster said.
“The national strategy and policies enabling this are attributable to his stewardship. If his principles and values are applied to the governance and facilitation of these opportunities, then they stand to transform the fortunes of the country and especially communities in and around Windhoek, Luderitz, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and the Erongo Region.”
