South African Airlink

Airlink demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, reflected in its accreditations and maintenance practices.

Airlink holds a 7/7 safety rating from Airline Ratings. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has been IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit program) accredited since 2006, signifying adherence to global operational safety standards. Furthermore, in April 2025, Airlink achieved the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification, which is based on rigorous standards including the ISO 14001 environmental management system and IOSA. Airlink is not on the European Union Air Safety List, which bans or restricts carriers deemed unsafe from operating in EU airspace.

While Airlink generally maintains a strong safety record, there have been a few notable incidents. In September 2009, an Airlink BAe Jetstream 41 crashed after takeoff due to engine power loss, injuring the three crew members and one person on the ground. In December 2009, an Embraer ERJ-135 overran the runway upon landing in wet weather, resulting in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair, though without fatalities. More recently, in December 2024, an Embraer ERJ-190 struck impalas during landing, causing minor aircraft damage but no injuries to passengers or crew. In January 2024, an Embraer 135 experienced a runway excursion during landing in Pemba, Mozambique, with all 32 passengers and three crew disembarking safely. Other minor incidents reported include temporary runway excursions, a Ram Air Turbine deployment, and a smell of smoke in the cockpit.

Airlink's fleet primarily consists of Embraer regional jets. The airline emphasizes maintenance, employing over 400 aircraft engineers and specialists. Airlink became the first African carrier to implement Embraer's Collaborative Inventory Planning management system in April 2025, a move designed to optimize spare parts inventory and reduce operational costs and heavy maintenance turnaround times.

Overall, Airlink maintains a robust safety framework, underlined by its consistent IOSA accreditation and proactive maintenance strategies. Despite a few past incidents, its ongoing compliance with international safety benchmarks and continuous investment in operational improvements contribute to a positive safety assessment. Airlink was also recognized with the Executive Leadership: Africa & Middle East award at the Airline Strategy Awards in July 2023 for its successful reinvention and operational excellence.