Virgin Atlantic Airways and South
African Airways (SAA) have entered into a commercial co-operation that
includes a Codeshare Agreement and a fully reciprocal Frequent Flyer
Program partnership. The Codeshare will commence on 31st October 2004, and will enable passengers travelling on Virgin Atlantic services between London and Johannesburg to connect onto South African Airways services to numerous destinations in South Africa including Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Mpumulanga (Kruger Park) and Pilanesburg (Sun City).  Virgin Atlantic passengers will also benefit from convenient connections onto South African Airways extensive pan-African network, although these services will not initially form part of the Codeshare Agreement.

The Frequent Flyer Programme partnership will offer reciprocal benefits to members of both Virgin Atlantic flying club and South African Airways Voyager programme, meaning that miles can be accrued and redeemed on the services of either airline. Both airline’s loyalty programmes are renowned for their generosity, offering more miles and great rewards with their partners.

Willy Boulter, Commercial Director for Virgin Atlantic, commented:

“We are delighted to announce this new commercial agreement with South African Airways. Our passengers travelling to Johannesburg can not only benefit from convenient connections to a number of domestic and regional destinations but great value and quality of service throughout the journey.”

“Following the announcement that the Football World Cup will be held in South Africa in 2010, Virgin Atlantic looks forward to working with South African Airways to provide fans with a seamless journey to all the matches.”

South African Airways President and CEO, André Viljoen, said:

“The codeshare will see a rise in the number of passengers travelling on SAA in the domestic market. SAA will also be able to offer a reliable network reach to Virgin Atlantic passengers and thus enhance South Africa as one of the world’s foremost business and leisure destinations.”

“We are also looking forward to future co-operation that will include a possible partnership on the Cape Town - London route.”

Virgin Atlantic offers a daily service between Heathrow and Johannesburg on a year round basis and three weekly services between Heathrow and Cape Town during the UK winter season.  The airline’s revolutionary Upper Class Suite will be operating on South Africa routes by winter 2004.

Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain’s second largest long haul carrier serving the world’s major cities.  Now based at London’s Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester airports, Virgin operates long haul services to twenty-two destinations world-wide as far reaching as Las Vegas and Shanghai.

South African Airways, founded in 1934, is Africa’s leading airline and flies to more than 20 destinations across the African continent and 40 cities in 30 countries on six continents and carries more than 6.5 million passengers per year.
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