South African Airways (SAA) and Etihad Airways have signed an agreement allowing the two airlines to introduce a comprehensive range of codeshare and interline air services.
Initially South African Airways will place its ‘SA’ code on 12 Etihad Airways destinations flying from the UAE national carrier’s Abu Dhabi home base.
Additional cities in the Middle East, Asia and India will be added as the necessary approvals are secured.
In return Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on flights from Johannesburg to 10 SAA destinations across South Africa, Africa and South America.
The agreement also provides for passengers to earn and redeem miles through the two airlines’ frequent flyer programmes.
Tim Clyde-Smith, South African Airway’s country manager for Australasia, said the new commercial agreement would give SAA access to the majority of Etihad Airways’ global markets.
"This move aligns with SAA’s strategy to build its global network with strong global and regional partners," he added.
