In 2006, South African Airlink exited the strategic alliance with South African Airways and entered into a franchise agreement, dropping the 'South African' branding from their name, but retaining a similar colour scheme. In August 2000, the strategic alliance with South African Airways was further strengthened as a bilateral partnership. The airline was called Swaziland Airlink and was split 60% to the Swaziland government and 40% to South African Airlink. In 1999, South African Airlink entered into a joint venture with the government of Swaziland (now Eswatini) to create a new airline to replace the defunct Royal Swazi National Airways. The alliance was governed by a franchise agreement, which saw SA Airlink adopt the 'South African' brand identity and become South African Airlink. This alliance and partnership created the biggest airline network in Africa. In 1997, SA Airlink further strengthened their partnership with South African Airways, and joined both SAA and South African Express in a strategic alliance. Later that year, the airline aligned its branding with that of South African Airways and joined their Voyager frequent-flyer programme. In 1995, SA Airlink officially launched on 25 March at a gathering of important guests, including Queen Elizabeth II. History Early years Īirlink was formed in 1992 by business partners Rodger Foster and Barrie Webb, following the purchase of the liquidated Link Airways business, which had incorporated a range of other airlines: Midlands Aviation (founded in 1967), Lowveld Aviation Services, Magnum Airways, Border Air and Citi Air.

In January 2021, it became the second-largest carrier within Africa by number of flights, and third-largest by number of seats. The airline has a network of more than 60 routes to over 45 destinations in Southern Africa. It has since expanded to offer flights on larger, mainline routes. Its main business is to provide services between smaller, under-served towns and larger hub airports. Airlink, (previously known as South African Airlink) is an airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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