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#1612 by Pete
23 Jun 2004, 17:48
Latest press release from VA:


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 Programme 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.
#34326 by Jonathan
23 Jun 2004, 18:29
A few questions?
What TP will be issued for SAA flights
I work for a large South African bank
what SAA level will be needed for VS lounge access?

my SA collegues WILL be pleased!:D
#34424 by arfortune
24 Jun 2004, 14:23
Fantastic news. In my previous job I worked in southern Africa. First flight to Zambia was with VS to JNB and then SAA connection, but then the company got a deal with SAA, so ended up with loads of voyager points.

Hopefully I can use my points for a VS upgrade:)

Alex

P.S. On a related note I think SAA are an excellent airline - friendly staff, nice food, good seat pitch (esp. in economy upstairs on the 744) and IFE on demand (Sony Passport if my memory serves). Their 1st class lounge in JNB is also excellent - although only got to use it once when travelling with the boss ;).
#34447 by BlackCat
24 Jun 2004, 15:25
Very, very good news indeed!

BC
#34467 by Jonathan
24 Jun 2004, 16:39
Are there details of the reciprocation levels and tier points yet?
#34479 by freeway
24 Jun 2004, 17:58
In order to progress co-operation with SAA vs have terminated their flying club arrangement with Nationwide Airlines in South Africa. As such, earning and redemption of miles on Nationwide Airlines services will cease on 1st December 2004
#34480 by Jonathan
24 Jun 2004, 18:07
[IGNORANCE]
Nationwide Airlines?
[/IGNORANCE]

I've heard of SAA who else do they partner with?
#34567 by Bazz
25 Jun 2004, 14:17
quote:Originally posted by BlackCat
Very, very good news indeed!

BC



Thought you would approve BC ;)
#34585 by BlackCat
25 Jun 2004, 15:13
I never travel Nationwide (planes are old, service variable) in RSA. Now, if only I could get retrospective tier points and miles for all my SAA flights!

BC
#34596 by arfortune
25 Jun 2004, 15:56
quote:if only I could get retrospective tier points and miles for all my SAA flights!


BC

Totally agree!

Alex
#34645 by julesn
25 Jun 2004, 22:32
quote:Originally posted by freeway
In order to progress co-operation with SAA vs have terminated their flying club arrangement with Nationwide Airlines in South Africa.


I'm flying out to CPT via JNB on a Vhols trip on 3 July, and was surprised that the connection from JNB to CPT is on neither of these, instead is on a BA franchise (Comair)!

jules.
Virgin Atlantic

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