New corporate livery and branding for Airlink – which has officially changed its name from SA Airlink to Airlink – will soon be revealed as part of its strategy to distinguish itself as a totally independent airline.

Furthermore, the airline plans to announce additional new and reinstated routes in the coming weeks and months, said Airlink CEO and MD, Rodger Foster.

Earlier this year Airlink ended its 23-year franchise agreement with SAA and began operating and issuing tickets on its own ‘4Z’ code and designator. This enabled it to forge commercial ties with other international airlines that carry passengers and cargo to and from destinations across Southern Africa.

Subsequently, Airlink has signed collaborative interline agreements with Qatar Airways, Emirates, British Airways, KLM, Air France and United. In addition, its flights are now sold on www.flyairlink.com and no longer via SAA’s website.

“The subtle, but significant, name change is a key element of our repositioning, recovery and growth strategy,” said Foster.

“It should be seen together with recent commercial developments, including the interline agreements, the launch of our own mainline South African domestic services and new regional routes linking Johannesburg with Maputo and Windhoek.”