FlyNamibia, the privately-owned domestic and regional airline, is joining Airlink to promote its flights and services to travel agents worldwide on the Global Distribution System (GDS).

Through the GDS, Airlink, the premier independent South African-based airline, has global reach and the ability to display and sell its inventory in many markets. From July 24, FlyNamibia will enjoy the same global access on a franchisee basis.

Simultaneously, FlyNamibia will launch its new website – co-branded with Airlink – which will be linked directly into the Amadeus Altea reservation portal. This will make the booking process more straightforward and more user-friendly.

FlyNamibia CEO, Andre Compion said: “Joining the GDS is a major milestone for our growing airline, and it will be a boost for Namibia because it makes our flights, network and schedule visible to customers in parts of the world that, until now, we have been unable to access.  It also lets us provide customers with a convenient, user-friendly, and seamless booking platform.”

“This is one of the logical progressions we envisaged when Airlink invested in FlyNamibia last September. It will help us strengthen air services within Namibia and support the Namibia Airports Company in positioning Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport as an alternative SADC region gateway hub.  By building connectivity and extending FlyNamibia’s reach, we will unlock new markets and efficiencies for Namibia’s business, trade, travel and tourism sectors,” explained Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.

Last September Airlink acquired a 40% stake in FlyNamibia in an investment that signaled its confidence and faith in Namibia and its bright economic prospects.

“Namibia’s economic expansion is stimulating demand for travel to and from the country. FlyNamibia’s access to the GDS exponentially enhances and increases our ability to tap into this and open new markets.  While we are moving closer and deepening our relationship with Airlink, FlyNamibia will continue to operate its flights and retain its own unique brand and image,” said Compion.

Although FlyNamibia’s inventory will be displayed on the GDS from July 24, all bookings for flights taking place up to and including August 28, will be managed on FlyNamibia’s current reservation system, www.flynamibia.com.na. 

Reservations for FlyNamibia flights from August 29 will be processed on the GDS with customers able to follow instructions on the website which will be linked to the new booking portal. 

FlyNamibia will maintain parallel systems for six weeks to ensure a smooth transition.