Airlink touches down

Direct flights between Walvis Bay and Cape Town are finally possible again

Rudi Bowe 

Residents of the coast have access again to a regular, direct flight between Walvis Bay and Cape Town. That is thanks to the privately-owned regional air operator, Airlink.

The first flight touched down at the Walvis Bay International Airport on Wednesday (2 March) and was welcomed with fanfare by the management of the airport.
This new route is Airlink’s fourth between South Africa and Namibia. The other routes are Cape Town to Windhoek, Johannesburg to Windhoek and Johannesburg to Walvis Bay.
Airlink’s Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Foster, explains this new service is ideal for business travellers, as Walvis Bay is an important economic hub.
In addition, the new route is also ideal for leisure travellers, both for inbound and outbound tourism as well as for students.

According to Foster Airlink operates the Embraer ERJ135, an aircraft proven for regional passenger flight operations. The flights between Cape Town and Walvis Bay are scheduled every week for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights depart Cape Town at 14:00 with the estimate time of arrival at Walvis Bay at 16:50. The return flight departs Walvis Bay at 16:50, arriving in Cape Town at 19:00.
With the arrival of the first scheduled flight from Cape Town on Wednesday, one passenger told Namib Times he welcomes this initiative by Airlink because of the disappearance of Air Namibia.
Another said the direct flight saves travellers between Cape Town and Walvis Bay approximately eight hours. Prior to the introduction of this direct flight, travelling between Cape Town and Walvis Bay and vice versa was only possible via Johannesburg.

One said that by using the direct flight it saved him a lot of time.
Passengers expressed satisfaction with the onboard service and the friendliness of Airlink’s air crew.
Foster added: “Airlink is great value for money. Economy class fares include a 20kg free luggage allowance, plus a 15kg sporting equipment allowance.”  Passengers are treated to a complimentary light meal and refreshments. There is generous leg room and passengers have the choice of an isle or window seat, as the ERJ135 does not have a row of middle seats.