12 December 2012
South African Airways (SAA) and Air Canada signed a code share agreement on Monday, making it easier for passengers to travel between the two countries.
Passengers are now able to book a single itinerary when connecting between the carriers in London, as well as benefit from reciprocal frequent flyer miles accumulation or redemption, and lounge access for eligible customers through both airlines’ membership of Star Alliance.
SAA and Air Canada also received approval from the United States last week to add connections through New York.
“We look forward to welcoming Air Canada’s customers to our award-winning service and extensive route network,” SAA’s commercial acting general manager, Manoj Papa, said in a statement.
“This code share agreement represents new and seamless travel options between two world-class airlines with a deep knowledge of their respective markets.
“Travellers based in southern Africa and Canada will benefit greatly from the convenient travel choices now open to them, thereby increasing travel between the two regions,” he said.
SAA will code share on Air Canada-operated flights between London and Vancouver, London and Toronto and New York’s John F Kennedy airport and Toronto.
Air Canada will code share on SAA-operated flights between London and Johannesburg, New York and Johannesburg and Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“With flights coordinated to minimise connection times, plus the simplicity of a single itinerary, it will be easier than ever to fly between Canada and South Africa,” said Air Canada’s vice-president of alliances, international operations and regulatory Affairs, Yves Dufresne.
SAinfo reporter
