Airlines

Qatar Airways Acquires 25% Stake in Airlink, Strengthening African Presence

Qatar Airways Group has announced a significant move in its expansion strategy by acquiring a 25% stake in Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading independent regional airline.

This investment marks a pivotal step in the multi-award-winning airline’s ongoing efforts to bolster its presence across the African continent. Airlink, which serves over 45 destinations in 15 African countries, will see its code-sharing partnership with Qatar Airways significantly enhanced through this acquisition.

This deal is set to accelerate Qatar Airways’ growth strategy in Africa, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the continent’s economic development.

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Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ future. This partnership not only showcases our confidence in Airlink as a resilient, agile, and financially robust company governed by sound principles but also in Africa as a whole. We are excited to help unlock the continent’s vast potential.”

Rodger Foster, Chief Executive of Airlink, welcomed the investment, noting its significance: “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and reinforces our belief in the markets we currently serve and those we plan to expand into.

This partnership will enhance our growth by creating efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity, and expanding our marketing reach. It will also strengthen the existing airline partnerships that Airlink has developed over the years.”

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The new partnership will align the loyalty programs of both airlines, integrating Qatar Airways Privilege Club with Airlink Skybucks, thereby offering enhanced benefits to frequent flyers of both carriers.

Qatar Airways has been actively expanding its African network, currently operating flights to 29 destinations across the continent. Since December 2020, the airline has introduced new destinations including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt, and resumed services to Cairo and Alexandria.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.