Airlink CEO explains the future of the airline on Breakfast with Martin Bester
The aviation industry has taken a big hit during the coronavirus pandemic, as lockdown measures and travel restrictions bite.
The airline has developed into South Africa's first feeder network, specifically aimed at linking smaller towns, regional centers, and hubs throughout South Africa.
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to CEO of Airlink Rodger Foster on day 42 of the national lockdown about the state of aviation in the country.
Foster acknowledges: "This is a time for clear, calm thinking It’s very painful. It was heart-wrenching on 26 March."
We are gearing ourselves up for when the lockdown gets discontinued.
"On the 27th of March there wasn’t an aircraft in the sky in the whole of Africa," he adds.
READ: Grounding of airlines likely until the end of the year - aviation expert
Meanwhile, aviation expert Guy Leitch is worried for the tourism industry.
"Airlines are responsible for about 90% of incoming tourists to South African from overseas destinations, so the entire South African tourism industry is under enormous pressure due to Covid-19 and, in particular, the grounding of the airline,” Leitch told JacaNews recently.