Airlink Commences New Service Between Jo’burg and Nacala

Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, today inaugurated its Johannesburg-Nacala route, providing vital air connectivity for Mozambique’s third largest harbour town and gateway for trade, tourism and economic activity in the country’s northern provinces.

Nacala is also the gateway to the Nacala Corridor providing  Malawi and Zambia with access to markets in Asia, the Middle East and along Africa’s eastern seaboard.

The harbour town is Airlink’s seventh Mozambican destination and will initially be served with twice-weekly return flights on Mondays and Fridays with Airlink’s comfortable and efficient Embraer regional jet aircraft.  

“By adding Nacala to our network, Airlink adds the vital component of air connectivity, positioning Nacala into a truly multi-modal transport and logistics node for this region. Airlink’s convenient, reliable, great value and full-service flights will be a game-changer for Nacala and the businesses and enterprises it supports,” explained Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht.

“Having Airlink connect Nacala with the rest of the world will incentivise travel to and from  this important commercial hub and stimulate a surge in trade, tourism and investments that will unlock our region’s full potential. This will improve the socio-economic landscape of northern Mozambique,” said Eduardo Mariamo Abdula, Governor of Nampula Province.

Airlink’s ties with Mozambique go back over 30 years and today it operates more than 60 return flights a week to Maputo, Beira, Pemba, Nampula, Tete, Vilanculos and now also to Nacala. Airlink flights are scheduled to provide convenient connections with its other domestic and regional services as well as with long-haul flights provided by its global airline partners.

“Airlink is a private-sector airline and is investing its own money into launching and developing this route. While we are starting modestly with two return flights a week, we see enormous potential in the route and our intention is to add capacity and increase frequency as the demand increases,” added Mr Engelbrecht.

Customers can book and manage their trips on flyairlink.com, Airlink’s smartphone app or through travel agents.

Discounted economy class tickets attract a 20kg free luggage allowance, with 30kg allocated for full-fare economy travellers. All passengers receive a free 15kg sports equipment allowance.  

Onboard, customers are treated to a complimentary light meal, refreshments, generous leg room and a choice of aisle or window seat (Airlink’s aircraft do not have middle seats).