Airlink Secures Two Embraer E190s for Spares, Strengthening Fleet Amid Supply Chain Pressures
South Africa’s Airlink has taken a decisive step to reinforce its operational resilience by acquiring two Embraer E190 aircraft from specialist lessor TrueNoord, with the transfer finalized in December 2025. This strategic move is designed to address ongoing global supply chain disruptions that have challenged airlines across Africa and beyond, ensuring that Airlink can maintain the reliability and efficiency of its extensive Embraer fleet.
With the aviation industry still grappling with shortages of critical components and long lead times for maintenance, Airlink’s decision to purchase these aircraft specifically for teardown and spares marks a proactive approach to fleet management. The airline intends to salvage essential parts from the E190 airframes and retain the engines as spares, directly supporting its ability to keep aircraft in service and minimize operational delays.
According to Airlink’s CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, securing these additional engines and components is a strategic measure to safeguard the reliability of the carrier’s Embraer fleet. By doing so, Airlink aims to mitigate the impact of unpredictable supply chain issues and uphold the high standards of service expected by its customers. This acquisition not only strengthens Airlink’s operational backbone but also highlights the importance of agility and foresight in today’s aviation landscape.
TrueNoord, the lessor behind the sale, emphasized the collaborative nature of the transaction, noting that the deal was completed efficiently thanks to the strong partnership between the two companies. This relationship has enabled Airlink to act swiftly in response to market pressures, setting an example for other African carriers facing similar challenges.
Airlink operates the largest fleet of Embraer aircraft on the African continent, a position that brings both opportunities and responsibilities. The airline’s focus on securing spare parts and engines is particularly relevant as airlines across sub-Saharan Africa contend with aging fleets, limited access to local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and the persistent risk of aircraft being grounded due to parts shortages. By investing in its own inventory of critical components, Airlink is better positioned to avoid costly disruptions and maintain a competitive edge in the region.
This move stands in contrast to the strategies of other sub-Saharan African carriers, many of whom continue to rely heavily on external suppliers and face longer downtimes when aircraft require unscheduled maintenance. For example, while Nigeria’s airlines have struggled with grounded aircraft and extended maintenance cycles due to a lack of local MRO capacity, Airlink’s approach demonstrates the value of internal resourcefulness and strategic asset management. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways have also made significant investments in fleet modernization and local technical capabilities, but Airlink’s targeted acquisition of aircraft for spares is a distinctive response to the current supply chain environment.
Looking ahead, Airlink’s actions may prompt other African airlines to reconsider their own strategies for fleet resilience. As supply chain volatility shows little sign of abating, the ability to secure and control access to vital components will likely become a defining factor in operational success. For the African aviation sector, this development underscores the need for innovative solutions and strong partnerships to navigate an increasingly complex global market.
Ultimately, Airlink’s acquisition of the two Embraer E190s for teardown and spares not only bolsters its own fleet reliability but also sets a benchmark for proactive risk management in African aviation. As the industry continues to evolve, such forward-thinking measures will be essential for airlines seeking to thrive amid uncertainty and position themselves for future growth.
