Airlink has appointed AVIAREPS as its GSA to consolidate the airline’s presence in the crucial North American and Asian source markets.

“North America is a significant source market, not just for Airlink but for businesses, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers. Economic activity between South Africa and North America is increasing, including tourism, trade and commerce,” said Airlink Executive Manager of Sales and Marketing, Carla da Silva.

The US was South Africa’s second-largest overseas source market in 2022, accounting for 262 183 arrivals, only marginally behind the UK, which recorded 283 031 arrivals.

Da Silva added: “With Asia reopening we expect a surge in demand as it re-emerges as another vital market for Airlink and the businesses and communities we serve.”

Airlink is now represented by AVIAREPS in 39 international markets on all five continents, in a partnership to optimise the airline’s footprint, grow its sales in key international markets and stimulate additional travel and tourism from those markets to Southern Africa.

“AVIAREPS will play an important role promoting Airlink, its reach, convenient schedule and connections, its service and reliability — all the key considerations for anyone wanting to explore and take advantage of the opportunities that exist on both sides of the Atlantic and Indian oceans,” said Da Silva.

AVIAREPS COO Marcelo Kaiser said it would continue working with Airlink to help expand access from key markets across the world.

“By extending our representation of Airlink, we will fly Airlink’s brand and boost its sales across all the major travel trade channels and platforms where AVIAREPS has a broad footprint in Asia, North America, Europe, East Africa and Latin America. This will also add mutual benefit and value to our firm. As a result, there is every incentive for us to work closely with Airlink and increase its penetration in these markets,” said Kaiser.

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