Airlink CEO and Managing Director – Rodger Foster to Step Down in March 2025

Airlink (4Z), the South African regional airline, has announced a planned leadership change. Current CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster, will step down at the end of March 2025 after a nearly 33-year tenure.

de Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink’s Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Foster as the new CEO, effective April 1, 2025.

Foster will remain involved with the company as a shareholder and non-executive director, the airline stated.

A Legacy of Growth and Resilience

Foster co-founded Airlink in June 1992 alongside Barrie Webb. This period coincided with South Africa’s significant political transition and airline deregulation, allowing Airlink to establish itself as a privately-owned competitor to the state-owned national carrier.

“Leading Airlink has been a privilege,” stated Foster. “It’s been an exciting journey, with its challenges, but ultimately rewarding and fulfilling. Now, after more than three decades, it’s time to hand over the reins to de Villiers Engelbrecht.”

A Seasoned Successor Takes the Helm

Engelbrecht boasts over 20 years of experience with Airlink. He initially served as a non-executive director before assuming an executive role in 2011.

“de Villiers is highly respected in the industry,” explained Foster. “He has played a key role in navigating Airlink through significant challenges, including the separation from SAA and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has a comprehensive understanding of the airline business and enjoys strong support from the team and stakeholders.” 

Airlink’s Trajectory and Key Milestones

• June 1992: Airlink is founded by Foster and Webb, acquiring the assets of Link Airways to connect smaller South African centres.
• 1995: Rebranded as “SA Airlink,” introduces Jetstream J41 aircraft.
• 1997-2020: Joins Voyager frequent flyer program, establishes a franchise with SAA and SA Express. Expanded fleet with Embraer Regional Jets, BAe146/Avro RJ quad-jets (later replaced by E-Jets).
• 2020: Ends franchise with SAA, rebrands as an independent airline. First to resume domestic flights post-COVID travel bans, establishing Johannesburg-Cape Town and Johannesburg-Durban routes. Resumed and added more domestic and regional routes as restrictions eased.
• Since 2020: Forges partnerships with 30 international airlines (40 agreements), becomes a franchisor to FlyNamibia, launches SkyBucks loyalty program (2023).
• August 2024: Qatar Airways acquires a 25% stake in Airlink.

Airlink Today: A Leading Regional Carrier

Today, Airlink operates a fleet of over 65 modern Embraer jetliners, serving 50 destinations across 15 countries (including Madagascar and St Helena Island) with over 4 million passengers flown in 2024.

It is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and adheres to its safety audit program, the airline noted.