By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Airways (SAA) and CemAir on Friday announced a landmark codeshare partnership that will redefine domestic air travel in South Africa.
The agreement is designed to give travellers access to routes not previously served by SAA’s network.
Unlike SAA’s existing codeshare arrangements, which focus mainly on regional and international travel, this partnership is exclusively domestic.
Under the deal, both airlines will place their codes on each other’s flights. This will allow customers to book integrated itineraries through official websites, mobile apps and authorised agents.
The airlines say passengers will benefit from single-ticket itineraries, seamless connections and baggage through-check.
CemAir, a privately owned airline operating since 2005, flies scheduled services between major centres and regional destinations, including Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, George, East London, Gqeberha, Margate, Kimberley, Hoedspruit and Mala Mala. It operates a fleet of regional jets and turboprops.
SAA group CEO Prof John Lamola says the partnership will extend the airline’s domestic footprint.
“Unlike our international codeshares, this agreement focuses on connecting major cities with regional and leisure destinations that were previously beyond SAA’s reach.”
“By combining our strengths with CemAir, we’re delivering greater flexibility, convenience, and choice for our customers.”
CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen notes that by “combining their strengths”, a more connected network is established that will benefit both business and leisure travellers.
In addition, the partnership will give travellers expanded access to leisure and business destinations, smoother connections and integrated booking across both airlines’ platforms.
Ticket sales for codeshare flights will open on 26 January 2026.