Airfreight customers will benefit from an expanded cargo network if the Competition Commission approves the proposed acquisition of Safair by Airlink, according to CEO and managing director of Airlink, Rodger Foster. “FlySafair does not currently market and sell cargo services, but Airlink Cargo does and could market and sell spare belly space on FlySafair flights,” he told FTW. Safair also operated a fleet of L-100 Hercules transports and other dedicated freighter aircraft which presented “some interesting charter and contract opportunities”, he added. Foster said that the two companies together would be able to offer a more comprehensive service to Airlink Cargo customers while also generating additional revenue. The proposed deal was part of Airlink’s overall strategy that would “strengthen and weatherproof ” the company against any unforeseen future turbulence which might affect its traditional business, he said. The airlines will retain their respective products, aircraft fleets, management and leadership teams. Employees will be secure, with no job losses because of the consolidation. “Airlink’s acquisition of Safair, which is financially robust and profitable, makes good business sense. It presents opportunities to reduce our combined costs and position ourselves for growth while at the same time increasing connectivity and choice,” added Foster, pointing out that the aviation companies’ combined networks would enable them to connect 37 destinations in nine southern African and Indian Ocean countries and St Helena. “This will stimulate and enable trade, tourism, economic growth and social development in those markets,” he said. Elmar Conradie, who will remain as Safair CEO, said: “Coming under a single umbrella will create economies of scale that will enable both airlines to share costs, optimise assets and remove systems duplications. This will position the new Airlink Group for future growth.” The Competition Commission is expected to announce its decision in the first quarter of next year
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Airlink Cargo could market and sell spare belly space on FlySafair flights. – Rodger Foster
