Airlink Fleet Expansion: New Embraer E195-E2 Jets and Competition Tribunal Challenges

Airlink Gears Up for Growth

South Africa’s Airlink is charting a new course. The airline has officially accepted the first three of ten Embraer E195-E2 jetliners from US-based leasing firm Azorra, signaling a significant expansion in capacity and route possibilities.

The newly delivered jets can carry 136 passengers in a two-by-two layout, perfect for high-density domestic routes like Johannesburg to Cape Town. But the added range also opens doors to new destinations across sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with Airlink’s ambition to grow its regional footprint.

“The integration of the E195-E2s is an important milestone in our 33-year history,” said CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “They will unlock operational efficiencies while maintaining commonalities with our current E-Jet fleet, making the transition seamless for pilots and crew.”

The aircraft are being ferried from Embraer’s facilities near São Paulo to Johannesburg via Cape Town and are scheduled to enter service in December, just in time for the summer holiday peak.

Training and Infrastructure Ready

Airlink is also preparing behind the scenes. Pilots, cabin crew, and technical personnel are undergoing specialized training to operate the new jets. Maintenance facilities are being upgraded to support the aircraft and engines, ensuring smooth integration into the airline’s Air Operators Certificate.

“The E2s have similar flight decks and handling characteristics to our current E-Jets, which will streamline entry into service,” Engelbrecht added.

Challenges in the Courts

The timing of this fleet expansion is notable: Airlink faces a major Competition Tribunal case over allegations of predatory pricing on the Johannesburg–Mthatha route between 2012 and 2016.

The dispute centers on claims that Airlink’s pricing strategies pushed new entrant Fly Blue Crane (FBC) out of the market. Aviation expert Guy Leitch explained the nuance:

“Airlines regularly run special offers. The question is whether this was just normal competitive practice or pricing deliberately designed to block a competitor. That’s the crux of the case.”

FBC, launched by former SAA CEO Sizakele Mzimela, sought to operate on underserved regional routes but struggled due to Airlink’s allegedly low fares. Once FBC exited, critics allege, Airlink raised fares again.

“On routes like Johannesburg–Mthatha, costs are higher per passenger, making pricing strategies more complex,” Leitch said.

The tribunal must determine if Airlink’s actions were standard market competition or predatory pricing, a judgment that could have significant implications for South African aviation.

A Strategic Balance

For Airlink, the arrival of the E195-E2s is both a growth strategy and a statement of intent. While the court examines its past, the airline is clearly investing in the futureenhancing capacity, opening new routes, and strengthening its regional presence.

“This fleet expansion positions Airlink to better serve high-demand routes and explore new markets,” Engelbrecht said.

With legal scrutiny looming and holiday travel demand rising, the airline faces the delicate task of balancing expansion with compliance, while convincing the public and regulators that its growth strategies are fair and sustainable.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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