India, Aug. 6 -- Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, enabling access to nine cities and establishing the start of a reciprocal codeshare agreement between both carriers. The expanded partnership opens more destinations across central and southern Africa, simplifying connectivity for customers.
What's New
- Reciprocal Codeshare: Emirates will now place its code on SAA-operated flights, moving beyond the previous one-way arrangement.
- Nine Added Routes:
- Domestic South Africa: Johannesburg-Cape Town, Johannesburg-Durban, Johannesburg-Port Elizabeth.
- Regional Africa: Johannesburg-Kinshasa (DRC), Gaborone (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare (Zimbabwe), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
- Convenience: Customers benefit from single-ticket bookings, coordinated schedules, and through-checked baggage.
Strategic Impact
- Longstanding Partnership: Emirates and SAA have worked together since 1997, making this one of Emirates' longest-running alliances.
- Expanded Reach: Opens up deeper connectivity across southern and central Africa, while strengthening Johannesburg's role as a hub.
- Passenger Benefits: Easier access to Emirates' global network via Dubai, plus smoother travel within Africa.
Emirates in South Africa
- Operating since 1995, Emirates now runs 56 weekly flights across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
- South Africa is the only African market to receive all three Emirates widebody types: Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and A350.
- Premium Economy is offered on Dubai-Johannesburg and Dubai-Cape Town routes.
Leadership Voices
- Adnan Kazim (Emirates): Called the expansion a "natural evolution" that reinforces Emirates' long-term commitment to South Africa.
- Matshela Seshibe (SAA): Framed it as a milestone in SAA's strategy to......
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.