Aircraft lessor Falko Regional Aircraft Limited (Falko) has completed the delivery of four (4) Embraer E175 aircraft on lease to Airlink, South Africa’s premier independent regional carrier.
Falko says: “The aircraft were delivered on behalf of Falko managed fund, Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II (Fund II) with the first two deliveries concluding in Q4 2023 and the final two deliveries in August and September 2024. Airlink now operates E170, E175 and E190 aircraft from Falko’s managed portfolio.”
Rodger Foster, CEO Airlink said: “The leased Embraer E175s from Falko provide us with the flexibility to provide a consistent top-quality onboard service across a wider band of routes across our network. Currently we serve over 45 destinations in Southern and East Africa and we reach markets across the globe through our code-shares and other partnerships with 36 of the world’s leading international airlines. The commonality with our other E-jets is also vital for air crew training, flight operations and technical support”.
Mark Hughes, Falko’s Chief Commercial Officer commented. “The transaction further expands Falko’s footprint in Africa, an increasingly important market for regional aircraft. We expect to see significant growth and opportunities in the African aviation market over the next couple of decades as countries look to improve connectivity across and into the continent in a bid to facilitate economic growth.”
It will be recalled that in August 2024 Qatar Airways acquired 25% stake in Airlink as part of the Southern African airline’s expansion strategy.