Airlink, the privately-run South African airline, will operate services linking Johannesburg with Port Elizabeth, Entebbe, Ndola and Luanda after 29 February 2020, even though its franchise partner, SAA, will stop serving those destinations from that date.

“We want to reassure travellers that as far as Airlink is concerned, it is business as usual!   Our schedule and operations are unaffected by SAA’s latest network cuts,” said Rodger Foster, Airlink CEO and Managing Director.

Airlink has been operating flights to Entebbe, Uganda on SAA’s behalf and will continue these services without disruption after 29 February 2020.

Currently Airlink operates two flights a day to Ndola, Zambia, which will allow travellers booked on SAA’s own flights to be re-accommodated on Airlink after 29 February 2020 with no interruption.

Airlink recently secured traffic rights to operate daily direct flights to Luanda, Angola. It will commence this service after 29 February.

“Our flights will operate under the “SA8” flight code until 10 June 2020, after which they will be operated under Airlink’s unique “4Z” code.   “4Z” tickets are already available through travel agents, tour operators and online at www.flyairlink.com,” added Mr Foster.

Tickets already issued for travel on SAA flight numbers on these routes, after 29 February 2020, will remain valid, subject to re-accommodation by Airlink. Customers holding those tickets may apply to SAA for re-accommodation onto Airlink’s flights. Those who do not want to be re-accommodated, may apply to SAA for a refund in line with its Business Rescue refund policies.