5 February 2025
British Airways had taken a significant step in expanding its partnership with South African airline Airlink in the first quarter of 2025. This expansion was understood to include Airlink-operated flights connecting Johannesburg to key destinations in Botswana. Sources suggested that the new codeshare routes had gradually come into effect starting in late January 2025.
Enhanced connectivity between Southern Africa and Europe
It was believed that the decision by British Airways to broaden its codeshare network was aimed at increasing accessibility to Botswana, a destination known for its rich wildlife tourism and growing economic potential. The extended agreement was reported to cover the following Airlink-operated routes under British Airways’ branding:
- Johannesburg – Gaborone
- Johannesburg – Kasane
- Johannesburg – Maun
With this expanded codeshare in place, passengers travelling from London and other European locations served by British Airways were expected to experience smoother connections to Botswana without the need for separate tickets or complicated transfers.
Potential implications for the travel industry
Analysts speculated that the enhanced codeshare arrangement would have notable effects on the aviation sector, tourism industry, and overall passenger convenience. Key areas of impact included:
- Tourism Growth in Botswana – With Botswana being home to world-famous destinations such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, industry experts predicted an increase in international tourist arrivals facilitated by British Airways’ global network.
- Business and Trade Expansion – As Botswana continued to develop as a regional business hub, improved connectivity was expected to encourage corporate travel and investment between Europe and Southern Africa.
- Aviation Market Strengthening – The collaboration was seen as part of a broader trend in which global airlines sought to establish stronger networks in Africa, a continent with rapidly growing air travel demand.
By leveraging Airlink’s regional expertise, British Airways was believed to be solidifying its market presence while offering greater travel convenience to its passengers.
Impact on global travellers
Travel industry observers suggested that this codeshare expansion could have a considerable impact on passengers worldwide, particularly those seeking hassle-free travel experiences to Africa. It was noted that travellers flying from North America, Asia, and other parts of Europe via London Heathrow would likely benefit from increased flexibility when booking trips to Botswana.
Additionally, the strategic expansion was thought to be particularly beneficial for travellers interested in Botswana’s safari experiences, as destinations such as Maun and Kasane served as gateways to the country’s renowned wildlife reserves. This was expected to make Botswana more accessible to a broader range of international tourists.
Economic and tourism sector developments
Experts pointed out that the partnership between British Airways and Airlink was likely to contribute significantly to Botswana’s economy by driving an increase in visitor numbers. As a country that heavily relied on high-value tourism, Botswana was expected to see positive economic ripple effects from the improved air links.
It was further noted that the tourism and hospitality industries in destinations like Maun and Kasane would likely experience a surge in demand, encouraging further investment in accommodation, tour operations, and supporting infrastructure. Similarly, the aviation sector in the region was expected to benefit from greater passenger traffic, potentially prompting future upgrades to Botswana’s airport facilities.
Strategic positioning of British Airways in Africa
Aviation analysts viewed British Airways’ move as part of a larger strategy to strengthen its footprint in Africa, a market that had been receiving increased attention from major international carriers. The expansion of its codeshare agreement with Airlink was believed to be a calculated step aimed at enhancing the airline’s competitive position in the region.
British Airways was already known to operate key routes to major African cities, and this latest development was seen as a move to offer more comprehensive coverage across Southern Africa. With competitors such as Lufthansa and KLM also expanding their African networks, British Airways’ collaboration with Airlink was expected to help secure a stronger foothold in the region.
Future prospects and possible expansions
Industry experts speculated that this codeshare expansion could pave the way for additional route collaborations between British Airways and Airlink. If demand continued to rise, it was suggested that new codeshare destinations in Namibia, Zimbabwe, or other Southern African nations might be introduced in the future.
Additionally, the long-term outlook for increased cooperation between European and African airlines remained strong, with further strategic alliances anticipated as global travel patterns evolved. The ongoing development of Botswana’s tourism infrastructure was expected to complement these air service improvements, further positioning the country as a premier destination for international visitors.
A transformative development for global air travel
The expansion of British Airways’ codeshare partnership with Airlink in 1Q25 was widely regarded as a significant development in the aviation industry. By improving connectivity between Europe and Botswana, the agreement was seen as a major step in enhancing accessibility to one of Africa’s most sought-after travel destinations.
With benefits spanning tourism, business, and overall travel convenience, this strengthened partnership was expected to play a pivotal role in shaping travel trends in the coming years. As global interest in Southern Africa continued to grow, the improved air links facilitated by British Airways and Airlink were anticipated to serve as a key enabler of future tourism and economic growth in Botswana.
Source: https://n9.cl/c3ie2z
