London,  Sabena technics, a leading independent MRO operator, has been awarded by South African Airlink, South Africa’s regional airline, an exclusive landing gear contract for the support of its BAe146-RJ85 fleet of 8 aircraft. 

South African Airlink, a privately owned airline, has developed into South Africa's first feeder network aimed at linking the smaller towns, regional centers and hubs throughout South Africa, has entrusted Sabena technics with the repair and overhaul of their BAe146-RJ85 aircraft for an initial exclusive five-year renewable period.

Sabena technics has developed over the years a real know-how in landing gear overhaul, resulting in customers sending their ship sets for overhaul to its Brussels site.

“We are proud to take on this landing gear support for South African Airlink and hope to convince them of our expertise and develop our cooperation”, said Rodolphe Marchais, Chairman & CEO of Sabena technics.

Source: Sabena technics 

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About South African Airlink 

IATA	Callsign	ICAO
4Z	LNK	LINK

Hubs	OR Tambo International Airport (IATA: JNB, ICAO: FAJS) (ORTIA)
Secondary hubs	King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport
Alliance	Star Alliance
Destinations	27
Headquarters	Greenstone Hill Office Park, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Privately owned South African Airlink was restyled in 1995 from a history book dating back to the formation of Midlands Aviation in 1967 incorporating Lowveld Aviation Services, Magnum Airways, Border Air, Citi Air and Link Airways. The airline has developed into South Africa's first feeder network, specifically aimed at linking the smaller towns, the regional centres and hubs throughout South Africa. In 1997 SA Airlink joined SAA and SA Express in a powerful strategic alliance which led to the establishment of the leading aviation network in Africa.

SAA and its regional partner, Airlink continues their existing partnership. The long term plan for the relationship is to form an alliance, which will allow Airlink to grow in all markets. Airlink will have the opportunity to serve any route domestic and regional which is commercially viable to it. In January 2006 something new took flight, Airlink - formerly SA Airlink - did not only change its name but corporate identity too, giving you the freedom of flying to the smaller and regional centres and cities throughout Southern Africa.

Swaziland Airlink was formed as a joint venture company between the Swaziland Government (60%) and Airlink (40%) to take over operations, from Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation, as the national carrier of Swaziland. 

Current Fleet of South African Airlink 

Aircraft	In	Passengers			Notes
	Service	J	Y	Total
Avro RJ85	12	14	69	83	4 leased from Safair
		—	83	83
Embraer ERJ 135LR	9	0	37	37	two are operated for Swaziland Airlink
BAe Jetstream 41	8	0	29	29	one is operated for Swaziland Airlink
Total	29