Emirates and South African Airways Expand Codeshare Partnership

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 connect Africa more strongly to global markets, emphasizing people, trade, and tourism.

This move essentially deepens Africa–global connectivity, giving travelers more seamless options across both carriers’ networks.