South African Airways (SAA) and Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul airline, are expanding their nearly three-decade partnership, allowing the Dubai-based carrier to place its code on nine SAA-operated routes across southern and central Africa.

The deal moves the partnership into a reciprocal codeshare following recent regulatory approvals. Previously, the agreement operated unilaterally, with SAA placing its code on Emirates flights connecting Dubai to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Nine Southern African routes added

Under the expanded deal, Emirates passengers gain single-ticket access to three domestic South African routes, connecting Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, as well as six regional destinations from Johannesburg: Kinshasa, DRC; Gaborone, Botswana; Windhoek, Namibia; Lusaka, Zambia; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The two airlines have shared a commercial agreement since 1997. Emirates currently runs 56 weekly flights across its three South African gateways and has carried more than 20 million passengers on those routes since entering the market in 1995.

“By placing our code on SAA’s domestic and regional network, we are opening seamless access to destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates deputy president and chief commercial officer.

SAA broadens regional network reach

For SAA, the carrier continues to rebuild its regional footprint from its hub in Johannesburg. The airline operates flights to key commercial centers across Africa, alongside long-haul service to São Paulo and Perth.

“Through this reciprocal codeshare agreement, customers will benefit from a more seamless travel experience and greater choice across our combined networks,” said Matshela Seshibe, acting group chief executive officer of SAA. “By combining SAA’s growing African network with Emirates’ extensive global reach, we are creating greater value for our customers.”