SAA and CemAir Domestic Codeshare to Transform South African Air Travel

South African Airways (SAA) and CemAir have announced a landmark domestic codeshare partnership that promises to significantly reshape the South African aviation landscape. Unveiled in Johannesburg on 16 January 2026, the agreement strengthens connectivity between the country’s major metropolitan hubs and a range of niche regional and leisure destinations, many of which have not previously been served directly by SAA.

In a move that underscores a renewed focus on domestic growth and collaboration, the partnership is unique among SAA’s codeshare agreements. Unlike the airline’s existing arrangements, which are largely regional or international in scope, this collaboration is exclusively domestic. Its primary aim is to enhance accessibility, convenience, and choice for travellers flying within South Africa, while supporting broader economic and tourism development.

Under the codeshare agreement, both SAA and CemAir will place their respective codes on selected flights operated by the other carrier. This will allow passengers to book integrated itineraries through official airline websites, mobile applications, and authorised travel agents. Customers will benefit from single-ticket journeys, coordinated schedules, and baggage through-check, creating a smoother and more seamless travel experience across the combined networks.

For passengers, the partnership removes many of the traditional friction points associated with multi-airline domestic travel. Seamless connections, consistent service standards, and simplified booking processes mean travellers can more easily reach destinations that previously required complex itineraries or separate bookings. This is particularly significant for business travellers seeking efficiency, as well as leisure passengers looking to explore South Africa’s diverse regions.

CemAir brings to the partnership more than two decades of experience in South African aviation. Privately owned and operating since 2005, the airline has built a reputation for reliable service across a mix of major cities and regional destinations. Its network includes Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, George, East London, Gqeberha, Margate, Kimberley, Hoedspruit, and the exclusive Mala Mala airstrip, among others.

Operating a fleet of regional jets and turboprop aircraft, CemAir plays a vital role in connecting smaller cities and tourism-focused destinations with the country’s primary economic centres. These capabilities complement SAA’s domestic and international network, enabling the national carrier to extend its reach without deploying additional aircraft into thinner or highly specialised routes.

SAA Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, described the agreement as a major milestone for domestic aviation. He emphasised that the partnership differs fundamentally from SAA’s international codeshares, focusing instead on linking large urban centres with regional and leisure destinations that previously lay beyond the airline’s direct network. “By combining our strengths with CemAir, we are delivering greater flexibility, convenience, and choice for our customers,” Lamola said. “This partnership allows us to connect travellers to more destinations across South Africa, while supporting tourism, regional development, and economic growth.”

From CemAir’s perspective, the agreement represents both a validation of its long-term strategy and a significant opportunity to expand its market presence. CemAir Chief Executive Officer, Miles van der Molen, welcomed the collaboration as a milestone for the industry, noting that it reflects a shared commitment to improving connectivity and reliability for South African travellers.“This collaboration represents a shared vision to offer better access, more flexibility, and greater reliability,” van der Molen said. “By working together, we are creating a stronger, more connected domestic network that benefits both business and leisure travellers.”

Beyond passenger convenience, the codeshare is expected to deliver broader benefits to the aviation ecosystem. Improved domestic connectivity supports tourism by making it easier for visitors to reach secondary destinations, game reserves, and coastal towns. It also strengthens links between regional economies and major commercial centres, facilitating business travel and investment.