20 December 2012
South African Airways (SAA) and US Airways have signed a bilateral code share agreement that will provide the airlines with expanded access to destinations in both countries.
“Through the codeshare agreement with US Airways, South African Airways’ valued clientele will gain new travel choices to markets across the United States via US Airways’ extensive network and hubs in Philadelphia, Charlotte and Phoenix, providing for seamless travel and status recognition through the respective frequent flyer programs,” SAA’s commercial acting general manager, Manoj Papa, said in a statement.
“We are looking forward to introducing US Airways customers to our award-winning service, and to working closely with US Airways as our partnership will improve the connections between our respective networks.”
The new partnership will offer the convenience of a single-ticket purchase, as well as the opportunity for SAA customers to earn and redeem Voyager miles.
“US Airways’ new code share agreement with its first African code share partner creates a seamless travel experience for our customers travelling to various destinations on the African continent,” said US Airways marketing and planning senior vice president, Andrew Nocella.
Pending approval from the Senegalese authorities, the code share agreement will also offer US Airways passengers access to Dakar in Senegal via SAA’s Johannesburg- Washington service.
“US Airways values our current relationship with South African Airways as a Star Alliance partner and now as a code share partner, we look forward to strengthening this partnership,” Nocella said.
US Airways customers will have access to SAA’s hub in Johannesburg, as well as connections to Cape Town, East London and Port Elizabeth.
The agreement took effect on 19 December.
SAinfo reporter
