Marketing & Media News South Africa

TAP and SAA redesign commercial partnership

JOHANNESBURG: TAP Portugal and South African Airways (SAA), both members of Star Alliance, are introducing new code-share services between Portugal and the Republic of South Africa, operated by both carriers via London (Heathrow) as of 2 June 2011.

These new services are available for booking and purchase via the Travel Trade. and will provide daily services for the large number of passengers travelling between South Africa and Portugal.

Through this new agreement, SAA´s code will be added to TAP flights departing Lisbon to London on a daily basis. SAA customers can also benefit from connecting flights beyond Lisbon, which are available to other Portuguese cities of TAP domestic network, such as Porto, Faro and Funchal (Madeira).

Conversely, TAP passengers can now fly on daily services via London to five South African destinations:
Johannesburg, Cape Town and three other cities (Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth).

Diversifying service options

"This new step in our commercial ties with SAA represents an important opportunity to offer diverse, convenient and attractive service options to passengers," said Jose Guedes Dias, VP alliances and external relations TAP."

"SAA is proud to move forward with its agreement with TAP and resultantly offer our customers added connectivity and convenience, allowing for ease of travel between both South Africa and Portugal's major and smaller hubs, this arrangement will provide the exceptionally large Portuguese community in South Africa with easy access to prime cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto, Faroand Funchal (Madeira). The South African Portuguese community maintains strong business and family ties with Portugal and this development will further strengthen the bond between the two countries" said Theunis Potgieter, GM commercial for SAA.

In an effort to meet customers' highest expectations, both TAP and SAA will continue pursuing the enhancement of their joint service offer between Portugal and South Africa.

As members of Star Alliance, TAP Victoria Members can earn miles when flying on qualifying flights, with a 200 percent Class-of-Service Bonus when flying in Business Class. All miles accrued count toward earning status.

As members of Star Alliance, SAA Voyager offers its members an added advantage towards earning and spending their Voyager Miles across the network. Our top tier members can also enjoy access to Star Alliance lounges wherever applicable.

Additionally, SAA and TAP Portugal offer reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including lounge access. Customers of both airlines will also enjoy one-ticket itineraries and through baggage check.

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