Delta Air Lines and Nationwide Airlines announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue agreements to codeshare, allow members in Delta’s SkyMiles program to accrue and redeem miles for flights on Nationwide, and to work towards other marketing co-operation. The agreement includes developing codeshare services on Nationwide Airlines to and from markets beyond its hub at O.R. Tambo International Airport (previously Johannesburg International Airport).

This growth of Delta’s network will provide customers with a wider array of destinations for travel as well as new mileage-earning opportunities. Subject to government approvals, initially, Delta plans to place its code on Nationwide service between Johannesburg and destinations such as Cape Town and Durban with further growth anticipated. The two carriers plan to have this service in place as early as possible to support Delta’s new service between Atlanta and Johannesburg beginning Dec. 4.

Commenting on the announcement, Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president of network planning and revenue management said: “In December Delta will become the only major U.S. airline to operate flights between the United States and Africa with service to Johannesburg and Dakar from the world’s largest airline hub in Atlanta, and with nonstop service to Accra from the world’s financial capital of New York (Dakar and Accra service are subject to government approvals). Our ability to market services on Nationwide Airlines will give customers even greater choices for travel beyond Johannesburg thanks to Nationwide’s extensive service across Southern Africa.”

Delta’s new service between South Africa and the United States is the latest in a series of more than 50 new international routes added or announced by Delta in the last year as part of the largest international expansion in the airline’s history.

Delta customers from Africa via Atlanta would have convenient connecting opportunities to more than 140 North American cities.

Nationwide Airlines’ CEO, Vernon Bricknell said: “We are delighted at the prospect of developing a closer relationship with Delta, and believe that this will bring real benefits to our customers and our business. Delta is one of America’s premier airlines and their entrance into our marketplace is exciting news for South African and American customers alike”.

Nationwide and Delta also plan to develop the ability for members of Delta’s SkyMiles programme to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Nationwide Airlines within Africa.

About Nationwide Airlines

Nationwide Airlines operated its first flight on the 5th December 1995 and has recently celebrated its 10th year of scheduled passenger services within the Republic of South Africa and Regional Africa. In November 2003, Nationwide Airlines commenced service three times weekly between Johannesburg and London-Gatwick with the Boeing 767-300 aircraft type and intends on extending this service to a daily frequency in the near future. The Company operates an entirely Boeing fleet and is the largest privately owned airline in the Southern Hemisphere. Nationwide Airlines was recently awarded the prestigious status of “Best Domestic Airline” as voted by ASATA and Diners Club International.

Nationwide Airlines has grown successfully as a result of exceptional customer service levels both on the ground and in the air and leads the way in South Africa with service enhancement initiatives such as self check-in at airport kiosks and paperless travel.
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