Kenya Airways Signs Code-share Partnership with South African Airways

Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), and South Africa’s National Carrier, South African Airways have signed a codeshare partnership that sees more destinations open to increase seamless travel within the regions. The deal shall see both airlines sell under their codes, with South African Airways passengers being able to earn Voyager Miles with the new codeshare flights. This agreement shall see passengers be able to book multiple flight segments and baggage under one ticket.

Passengers traveling from South Africa shall have more options in other African cities including Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam, Entebbe, Mombasa, and Kisumu while KQ passengers will have more options in Cape Town, Durban, and Harare. The deal will also see the addition of Juba, Kilimanjaro, Douala, Lusaka, Nigeria, and Ghana subject to government approval as the airlines seek to offer more opportunities within Africa.

Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways CEO and Group Managing Director said; “We are very pleased to implement the codeshare with SAA which offers our shared customers more options and flight combinations. As part of our Strategic Partnership Framework, we will contribute to making it easier for passengers to reach exciting new destinations within Africa. The additional destinations we believe will offer better customer journey thanks to the number of frequencies and connections created as well as many opportunities for trade and tourism. “

“Through the codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways, South African Airways’ valued clientele will gain new travel choices to markets across East Africa via Kenya’s extensive network and hub in Nairobi, providing for seamless travel and status recognition. We are looking forward to introducing Kenya Airways customers to our award-winning service, and to working closely with Kenya Airways as our partnership will improve the connections between our respective networks,” says Prof John Lamola, interim CEO of South African Airways.

The new codeshare agreement comes after both airlines signed a strategic partnership framework in November 2021 that works on issues of passenger traffic, cargo opportunities as well as trade by taking advantage of the various strengths of Kenya, South Africa, and the continent. Both airlines are exploring ways that will enhance cooperation on their respective frequent flyer program and popular benefits such as lounge access.