Air France-KLM expands travel options with new codeshare agreement with Airlink

SOUTH AFRICA – Air France-KLM has launched a new codeshare agreement with South African carrier Airlink, effective December 3, 2024, to enhance travel options across Southern Africa.

The agreement will offer passengers of both airlines greater access to destinations via Johannesburg and Cape Town airports, with plans to expand into other African countries in the future.

The codeshare agreement currently covers 14 domestic destinations in South Africa, with additional destinations in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, St Helena, Zambia, and Zimbabwe expected to be added once approved by the relevant authorities.

Air France-KLM already operates 14 weekly flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol airports.

The agreement strengthens Air France-KLM’s presence in the region and offers seamless travel to customers connecting to Airlink’s domestic routes.

Wilson Tauro, Country Manager for Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, said, “This codeshare agreement is a significant milestone for Air France-KLM in Southern Africa. It reflects our commitment to offering seamless travel experiences and expanding our reach to key destinations in South Africa.”

Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink, added, “Our long-standing commercial relationship with Air France-KLM has created a solid foundation for this codeshare, which is important for connecting Airlink’s key markets in Europe and beyond.”

In addition to expanding route options, the codeshare will allow members of Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program to earn miles on Airlink-operated flights. This adds value for frequent flyers, enhancing their travel experiences and rewards.

South Africa’s Tourism Push for India

While Air France-KLM strengthens its foothold in Southern Africa, South Africa is also making moves to increase tourism from India.

South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille recently addressed the need for better air connectivity and streamlined visa policies to boost tourism between India and South Africa.

De Lille, speaking in New Delhi on December 3, stated, “India is one of South Africa’s most dynamic tourism markets. We must act decisively to ensure South Africa benefits from this growth.”

Indian tourists, known for high spending, are expected to significantly increase their outbound tourism expenditure by 2034.

De Lille’s delegation is working with Indian tour operators, business leaders, and government officials to open up more opportunities for collaboration.

One of the initiatives being launched in January 2025 is South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which aims to simplify visa processes for Indian tourists.

Despite a 43% increase in Indian tourist arrivals to South Africa in 2023, the country still faces challenges in attracting more visitors.

Direct flights between India and South Africa remain limited, and South Africa hopes that new initiatives like the TTOS and direct flight negotiations with airlines such as Air India and IndiGo will help reverse the 4% decline in Indian tourist numbers in 2024.

De Lille added, “The TTOS will make it easier for Indian tourists to visit South Africa by cutting down on processing delays and unnecessary red tape.”

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