Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier regional airline, is kicking off its Black Friday fare promotions with a striking debut: the rollout of its latest “Skybucks” custom-liveried aircraft, the first to emerge from its new painting facility at Polokwane International Airport.

The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ135LR jetliner registered ZS-TGC, sports a sleek black paint scheme and is scheduled to make its operational debut tomorrow on a Polokwane–Johannesburg service to Airlink’s hub at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Airlink’s team of six personnel completed the transformation in just 18 days, meticulously applying the airline’s Skybucks frequent flyer colours. The process began with the careful removal of the old paint and light sanding to prepare the surface, followed by the application of high-quality, durable paint designed to deliver a smooth, glossy finish.

“In aviation, an uneven paint application can disrupt aerodynamic airflow, affecting performance and fuel efficiency. The final finish must be exceptionally smooth to minimize drag,” explained Samuel Mampshika, Airlink’s Executive Manager: Responsible Person Aircraft. “This is a highly specialised task, and our new paint shop in Polokwane is established to be a centre of excellence for this field.”

The arrival of ZS-TGC in its new livery not only coincides with Airlink’s Black Friday promotions but also highlights the airline’s commitment to innovation, brand identity, and operational excellence in the regional aviation sector.