South African Airways (SAA) and Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes have restored their codeshare partnership.
Recommencing this month, the renewed agreement comes after a lengthy hiatus. The codesharing arrangement was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restoring the South Africa-Brazil Link
The reinstated codeshare agreement between SAA and Gol Linhas Aéreas serves as a vital link between two of the southern hemisphere’s economic powerhouses.
It not only facilitates leisure tourism but also plays a crucial role in fostering business relationships, networking opportunities, and international trade between South Africa and Brazil.
Tebogo Tsimane, SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating, “Brazil remains a key destination for South Africa.”
“This agreement bridges two major economies in the southern hemisphere, promoting both leisure and business travel.”
Expanded Route Network
The SAA/Gol agreement covers flights connecting major South African cities with Brazil’s bustling metropolises.
Passengers can again enjoy seamless travel between Cape Town International, OR Tambo International, and Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.
Moreover, the partnership extends to domestic routes within South Africa. These link Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha.
This expansion provides Brazilian visitors with easy access to South Africa’s four primary economic hubs.
In addition to these routes, SAA can now add its designated code to over 20 Gol-operated flights within Brazil.
This includes popular destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, and Florianópolis.
The airlines have ambitious plans to further expand their reach, with intentions to add 60 more Latin American destinations and numerous African locations to the agreement in the future.
Benefits for Frequent Flyers
Loyalty program members will be pleased to know that the agreement includes the accrual of SAA Voyager Miles and Gol Smiles.
This feature allows frequent travelers to maximize their rewards and enjoy enhanced benefits across both airlines’ networks.
André Gaspar, Head of Alliances and Distribution at Gol, was pleased with the partnership’s revival, saying, “We’re thrilled to reactivate this agreement with SAA, which will significantly expand destination options for Gol customers.”
“It opens up access to many of Africa’s most captivating destinations and allows our passengers to reach key South African cities from our main bases via Guarulhos in the São Paulo metro region.”
SAA’s Intercontinental Comeback
The codeshare agreement’s reinstatement is part of SAA’s broader strategy to re-establish itself as a major player in intercontinental air travel.
This development follows South African Airways launch of direct flights to São Paulo six months ago and the recent introduction of direct services to Perth, Australia.
Tsimane highlighted SAA’s renewed focus on global connectivity. “We’re enhancing travel options not just within Africa, but also between Africa, Latin America, and Australia.”
“This codeshare agreement, along with our direct intercontinental flights, underscores SAA’s commitment to connecting people, businesses, and destinations worldwide.”
Looking Ahead
As SAA continues its journey towards profitability, partnerships like the one with Gol Linhas Aéreas play a crucial role.
This revived codeshare agreement represents more than just a business partnership; it’s a bridge between cultures, and a catalyst for economic growth.
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