South Africa’s Airlink underlines independence with new livery

South African carrier Airlink has unveiled a new livery to mark its move to standalone operations. It comes after the airline ended its long-standing franchise agreement with South African Airways (SAA) earlier this year. Last month the airline formally changed its name from SA Airlink to Airlink and began operating under its own 4Z designator code. The airline says the new look, which features an African Sunbird set against a sunrise and dawn sky, signifies its new strategy as an independent carrier. It removes any brand association with its former partner SAA. Airlink CE Rodger Foster says: “We have flown that particular nest and we are inviting our loyal and new customers to fly with us as Airlink expands its network, connecting and re-connecting people, communities, businesses, goods and services with markets throughout southern Africa and beyond.” The new livery will debut on an Embraer 190 regional jet on commercial services in early December. Airlink says the new paint scheme will be rolled out across the fleet in the coming months in line with scheduled maintenance.<br/>