Airlink Unveils Striking New Skybucks Livery Ahead of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026
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Airlink has added another eye-catching aircraft to its growing fleet of special liveries, unveiling a vibrant green Embraer E190 that celebrates the airline's Skybucks customer loyalty programme while highlighting its role as the Official Domestic Airline for the upcoming Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 tournament.
The newly painted aircraft, registered ZS-YAE, entered commercial service on 30 June, making its debut on a flight from Polokwane to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport. From 1 July, the aircraft will operate across Airlink's extensive domestic and regional network, serving destinations throughout Southern and East Africa.
The distinctive green livery is the latest addition to Airlink's expanding collection of special aircraft paint schemes and is one of three aircraft dedicated to promoting the airline's Skybucks loyalty programme. The vivid design ensures the aircraft stands out on airport ramps while reinforcing Airlink's growing brand presence across the region.
Airlink Chief Executive Officer de Villiers Engelbrecht said the aircraft's introduction coincides with the airline's appointment as the Official Domestic Airline for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026.
As part of the partnership, Airlink will provide domestic transportation for the South African and New Zealand rugby teams, along with tournament personnel, as they travel between match venues during one of the year's most anticipated sporting events. The tournament's official logo has also been incorporated into the aircraft's exterior design and will soon be applied to a second specially liveried Embraer E190, ZS-YDE, which currently wears Airlink's distinctive black colour scheme.
Beyond its striking appearance, the aircraft also showcases Airlink's growing in-house maintenance capabilities. The repainting was completed at the airline's new maintenance facility at Polokwane's Gateway International Airport in Limpopo by a team of six specially trained technicians using electrostatic paint application technology. The technique improves paint transfer efficiency while delivering a consistent, high-quality finish and reducing overspray.
Central to the facility is a purpose-built aircraft paint shop measuring 96 by 46 metres, capable of refinishing up to 13 aircraft annually. The investment forms part of Airlink's broader strategy to strengthen its maintenance infrastructure while reducing reliance on third-party facilities.
Airlink has established itself as Southern Africa's largest independent regional airline, operating a modern fleet of more than 70 Embraer regional jets. The airline carries over four million passengers annually across an extensive route network linking major cities with smaller regional destinations that are often underserved by larger carriers.
With approximately 250 flights operating each day, Airlink has continued to expand its footprint through new routes, interline agreements and strategic partnerships with leading international airlines, making it an increasingly important connector between Southern Africa and the global aviation network.
The airline's all-Embraer fleet has become synonymous with efficient regional operations, offering a combination of passenger comfort, operational flexibility and fuel efficiency well-suited to the diverse airport infrastructure found across the continent.
Special liveries have become an increasingly popular marketing tool within the aviation industry, allowing airlines to celebrate major events, promote partnerships and strengthen brand recognition. While some commemorative aircraft spend only a limited time in service, Airlink's Skybucks aircraft will continue operating scheduled passenger services across its network, bringing the distinctive green colours to airports throughout Southern and East Africa.
For aviation enthusiasts, the arrival of ZS-YAE also adds another colourful aircraft to photograph, while for passengers it serves as a visible reminder of Airlink's continued investment in its brand, customer loyalty programme and expanding operational capabilities.
As South Africa prepares to host Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026, Airlink's newest aircraft is set to become one of the tournament's most recognisable ambassadors, carrying both passengers and the spirit of one of the world's great sporting rivalries across the skies of Southern Africa.
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