South African Airways announces code share with JetBlue Airways

South African Airways announced a code share agreement with JetBlue Airways, indicating a strengthened relationship with this United States carrier. This expanded partnership means even more convenient bookings and connections for customers travelling between South Africa, other destinations within the African region and the U.S.

South African Airways and New York-based JetBlue Airways, have announced an expansion of their interline partnership, with S. African Airways now offering code share services on JetBlue flights effective 3 March 2011. The code share service will be available on SAA service from its Johannesburg hub to either New York's John F. Kennedy International or Washington Dulles airports, where travellers can connect to 20 cities served by JetBlue.

The benefits extend beyond the obvious synergies shared by the two award-winning airlines, with free meals/snacks, beverages and entertainment on board flights. Travellers throughout Southern Africa and South Africa can now book their SAA flight to 20 cities served by JetBlue in the U.S., with the ability to check bags through for their entire journey.

"Customer response to the interline service between SAA and JetBlue has been overwhelmingly positive on both sides of the Atlantic. They appreciate the ease with which they can connect between these two world class airlines," said Marc Cavaliere, executive vice president, North America, for SAA. "This code share agreement further enhances the service offering for customers wishing to travel between the Southern Africa and the U.S."

S. African Airways also recently announced that its direct flight between Johannesburg and New York will begin operating non-stop from 1 May 2011. The new timing for the flight means more time on the ground for travellers in Southern Africa, less time in the air, an earlier arrival time in New York, and more time to enjoy the Big Apple or to access many more early morning connection opportunities on JetBlue and a number of other airlines.

The combination of SAA's non-stop return service and JetBlue's extensive flight network in New York makes an already great travel experience even better and twice as convenient. Travellers in cities such as Cape Town, Durban, Mauritius, Nairobi and Windhoek can book their SAA flight that will quickly connect to SAA's non-stop flight to Johannesburg, and will enjoy return non-stop service that will quickly connect back to these cities. These are just a few examples of the seamless connection opportunities offered between the two airlines.

(Photo courtesy of Airbus)