South African Airways enters into a new code share agreement with Virgin Australia

Vincent Chappard February 10, 2014

South African Airways (SAA), Africa's leading airline, announced a new code share agreement with Virgin Australia, one of Australia's largest domestic airlines.

SAA flies daily between Johannesburg and Perth and this new partnership offers SAA customers expanded access across Australia to domestic destinations such as Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

“Through the code share agreement with Virgin Australia, our valued customers will gain new travel choices to primary markets across Australia via Virgins’ extensive network and hubs in Perth and Melbourne, providing seamless travel, and earning of miles through the Voyager frequent flyer programme,” says Kendy Phohleli, SAA General Manager Commercial (Acting).

“In addition customers travelling to Africa from Australia using Virgin Australia services will have access to the most comprehensive network on the African continent.”

Virgin Australia has been an interline partner of SAA since July 2010 where the two airlines had a commercial agreement to handle those customers travelling on both airlines. SAA is now expanding this relationship into a code share agreement.

“This new partnership forms part of Gaining Altitude, our Long-Term Turnaround Strategy, which seeks to broaden SAA’s network through alliances and strategic partnerships.

“Implementing a code share agreement with Virgin Australia offers our customers travelling on SAA to Perth, Australia, more travel options to other Australian cities. We are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with Virgin Australia through this new code share agreement,” says Phohleli.

Customers will also have the benefit of through checking their baggage and receiving boarding passes from Johannesburg to their end destination in Australia, and onto any destination in Africa served by SAA when flying from Australia. Voyager members will continue to earn their miles for their entire itinerary.