Etihad Airways is extending its reach in Africa through a new codeshare pact with South African budget carrier Kulula.
Under the agreement, the UAE carrier will place its EY code on Kulula’s flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban, George and East London.
The arrangement allows passengers access through check-in and baggage transfer to their final destination.
The new codeshare services go on sale from today (Monday) with travel from the start of the northern winter schedule on October 30.
The deal brings the total number of destinations served by Etihad Airways across the continent to 23, including existing codeshare partnerships with Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc and strategic equity partner Air Seychelles.
Etihad Airways currently operates scheduled services to 10 destinations in Africa – Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Khartoum, Casablanca, Rabat, Lagos, Cairo, plus Mahé in the Seychelles.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s chief executive, Peter Baumgartner, said: “This new codeshare agreement demonstrates Etihad Airways’ growing ambitions to strengthen our operations across Africa.
“Through the agreement, Kulula will give inbound passengers direct access from Johannesburg to four key destinations along South Africa’s renowned coastline, and I am certain the extended reach offered through this partnership will appeal to business and leisure travellers alike.”
Erik Venter, chief executive of Kulula parent company Comair, said: “We are delighted to be adding Etihad Airways to our growing list of strategic airline partnerships and are excited about exploring additional opportunities to expand on the relationship.”