South African Airways and Cemair sign groundbreaking domestic codeshare agreement | News
South African Airways (SAA) and CemAir are proud to announce a groundbreaking codeshare partnership that will redefine domestic air travel in South Africa. This partnership strengthens connectivity between major cities and niche destinations previously not served by SAA’s network.
Unlike SAA’s other codeshare agreements, focused on regional or international routes, this partnership is solely national in nature and is intended to improve accessibility and convenience for travelers across South Africa. Both airlines will place their codes on each other’s flights, allowing customers to book integrated routes through official websites, mobile apps and authorized agents. Passengers will enjoy seamless connections, single-ticket routes and baggage screening, all supported by aligned service standards.
CemAir is a privately owned South African airline that has been operating since 2005, offering scheduled flights to major cities and regional destinations including Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, George, East London, Gqeberha, Margate, Kimberly, Hoedspruit and Mala Mala. With a fleet of regional aircraft and turboprops, CemAir plays a vital role in connecting both business and leisure travelers, complementing South African Airways’ network and increasing access to South Africa’s diverse landscapes and communities.
Prof. John Lamola, Group CEO of SAA, commented:
“This partnership is a game-changer for domestic travel in South Africa. Unlike our international codeshares, this agreement focuses on connecting major cities with regional and leisure destinations previously beyond SAA’s reach. By joining forces with CemAir, we are offering our customers greater flexibility, convenience and choice, while supporting tourism and economic growth across the country.”
CemAir CEO, Mr Miles van der Molen, welcomed the partnership as a milestone for South African aviation: “This collaboration represents a shared vision to provide travelers with better access, more flexibility and greater reliability. By joining forces, we are helping to create a stronger, more connected network that benefits both business and leisure travelers.”
Benefits for travelers:
Extensive access to unique leisure and business destinations.
One-ticket itineraries with smooth connections and luggage transfers.
Integrated booking on the platforms of both airlines.
Ticket sales for codeshare flights will open on January 26, 2026. Customers can book through SAA and CemAir’s official channels, including websites (flysaa.com), mobile apps and travel agencies.
