Whitney Mabiya.
The South African airline “Fly Airlink” is currently being investigated by The Competition Commission for allegations of illegal business practices involving setting prices extremely low in order to eliminate competition and establish a monopoly on domestic route from 2012-2016.
Fly Airlink is said to be the reason why its rival, the Fly Blue Crane airline went out of business in 2017. This is amid Fly Airlink’s popularity and control in the Johannesburg-Mthatha route after predatory pricing.
Mthatha is a city in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and the capital of OR Tambo District Municipality. Airlink received complaints concerning its flight operations between Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) and Mthatha Airport (UTT).
Airlink’s complaints stretch all the way to September 2012 before the introduction of The Blue Crane into airline business; whereby the privately-owned carrier charged exorbitant fees.
Fly Airlink has been having hearings since August 2023 pertaining its bad business operation and in a statement, it had this say-
“Numerous factors must be considered when examining the complex economics of operating an air route. We disagree with the Competition Commission’s recommendations along with the logic underpinning them. However, the Competitions Tribunal presents us with an opportunity to challenge those recommendations. We are doing so by putting forward our argument backed by supporting evidence, which we believe will demonstrate Airlink competed fairly on the Johannesburg-Mthatha route and has always provided reliable, convenient, and safe air services at economically-sustainable fares that represent good value.”
The private owned airline resumes its tribunal hearing today against its accusations. More is to be heard upon findings and conclusions drawn in court today.
This is a developing story.
