Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has entered into a codeshare agreement with South African Airways (SAA).
The first phase of the agreement will see South African Airways place its “SA” code on Air Seychelles’ non-stop flights between Johannesburg and Seychelles. South African Airways will also place its code on flights between the two largest islands of Seychelles, Mahé and Praslin, subject to approvals.
Subsequent to the launch of the partnership between Air Seychelles and SAA, the airlines will look into expanding the agreement to include Air Seychelles placing its 'HM' code on South African Airways’ non-stop flights between Johannesburg and destinations across South Africa.
Ticket sales are set to open on April 29, for travel from April 30.
The deal follows a strategic move by Air Seychelles to increase its connectivity throughout South Africa and continental Africa.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our flights to Johannesburg have been incredibly successful, reflecting an increasing number of travellers coming out of South Africa to the Seychelles for leisure, business and sport. Traffic from South Africa has grown at a steady pace of 11 per cent each year for the past decade. In the first quarter of this year alone, traffic is up 13 per cent.
“With this codeshare agreement, guests will be able to purchase flights from South African Airways destinations onwards to the Seychelles on one ticket, making for a simpler and seamless journey.
Manoj Papa, South African Airways General Manager Commercial, said: “This partnership signals a strategic move by both airlines to increase connectivity and grow their networks. This also augments SAA’s already extensive African footprint. SAA currently flies directly to 26 destinations across Africa from its Johannesburg hub. Furthermore, the partnership adds breadth to our network, incorporating two additional destinations to the existing global partnership network which provides in excess of 1329 destinations in 194 countries globally.With strategic partnerships such as this one SAA is able to provide its passengers with more connectionson the continent and across the globe.”