(NEWS) JOHANNESBURG, South Africa , 2026-Jan-16 — /Travel PR News/ — South African Airways is reshaping the domestic travel map with a new codeshare partnership with regional carrier CemAir, a move aimed at opening up parts of South Africa that have traditionally sat beyond the reach of the national airline’s network. Based on details shared in official announcements from both airlines, the collaboration is designed to link major city gateways with smaller business, leisure and nature-focused destinations through a single, integrated booking experience.
Unlike SAA’s existing codeshare agreements, which typically span regional or long-haul routes, this partnership is focused entirely on domestic travel. By placing their respective codes on each other’s flights, SAA and CemAir are positioning themselves to offer smoother connections, single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage, allowing travellers to move more easily between South Africa’s urban centres and its lesser-served regions.
CemAir’s footprint plays a central role in the partnership. Operating scheduled services since 2005, the privately owned airline connects cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban with destinations including George, East London, Gqeberha, Margate, Kimberley and Hoedspruit, as well as gateway points to safari and leisure areas like Mala Mala. This network complements SAA’s core routes, effectively extending the national carrier’s reach into landscapes and communities that are closely tied to tourism and regional business.
From SAA’s perspective, the partnership reflects a strategic shift toward strengthening domestic connectivity. In comments released alongside the announcement, the airline highlighted the role of regional routes in supporting tourism flows and local economies, particularly by making leisure destinations easier to reach without the friction of separate bookings or disjointed schedules.
CemAir, meanwhile, has positioned the agreement as a step toward building a more resilient and interconnected aviation ecosystem within South Africa. With its mix of regional jets and turboprop aircraft, the airline is well suited to routes where demand is steady but not always aligned with larger aircraft operations, offering flexibility that aligns with SAA’s broader network.
For travellers, the changes will be felt most clearly at the point of booking and travel. According to official information, customers will be able to purchase codeshare tickets through both airlines’ websites, mobile apps and authorised agents, with aligned service standards designed to create a consistent experience from departure to arrival. Ticket sales for codeshare flights are set to open on 26 January 2026.
As domestic travel continues to play a vital role in South Africa’s tourism recovery and regional development, the SAA–CemAir partnership signals a renewed focus on making the country’s diverse destinations more accessible — from coastal cities to inland hubs and wildlife regions — through collaboration rather than competition.
