South African Airways (SAA) and TAAG Angola Airlines have activated a bilateral codeshare agreement, enabling SAA to place its flight code on TAAG-operated services between Johannesburg/Cape Town and Luanda, while TAAG will carry the SAA code across selected South African domestic and regional sectors. Airlines said ticket sales are open and travel under the arrangement commenced in early December 2025.
The commercial tie strengthens connectivity in Southern Africa and creates smoother onward connections from Luanda to TAAG’s long-haul destinations such as Lisbon and São Paulo, while giving TAAG access to SAA markets including Durban, Gqeberha, Harare and Lusaka. Both carriers framed the codeshare as a boost to tourism and trade across the region.
What the agreement covers
- Route coverage: SAA will add its code to TAAG-operated flights between Johannesburg (JNB) / Cape Town (CPT) and Luanda (LAD), including onward TAAG sectors to Lisbon (LIS) and São Paulo (GRU). In return, TAAG can sell SAA-coded seats on domestic and regional SAA sectors such as Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town, Harare and Lusaka.
- Commercial timing: Ticket sales are already open and travel under the codeshare reportedly commenced in early December 2025 (airlines cite dates in November–December as rollout windows). Some outlets note travel under the codeshare began on 1 Dec 2025 or 17 Nov 2025 in phased implementation.
Why this matters (regional connectivity and network effects)
- Stronger SADC links: The arrangement leverages Luanda’s strategic position linking Southern Africa to Europe and South America via TAAG’s long-haul routes, while SAA’s domestic reach increases onward distribution for TAAG customers. That improves one-ticket itineraries, baggage through-check options and coordinated schedules for travellers.
- Tourism & trade: Airlines and tourism boards highlight potential benefits for leisure and business travel, notably increased ease for South African tourists visiting Angolan safari and beach destinations and for Angolan travellers connecting to South Africa’s urban and coastal markets. Reported benefits should be treated as airline/government expectations.
Operational and commercial considerations
- IT & distribution: Codeshare activation requires GDS and reservation system integration; while carriers say ticketing is open, full availability in all sales channels can be phased. Agents should check live inventory for interline fare combinability.
- Baggage & check-through: A true codeshare/interline enables single-ticket issuance and through-checked baggage subject to airline conditions, passengers should confirm at booking and at check-in.
Timeline
- 1 Dec 2025 (activation window): SAA and TAAG announce codeshare; ticket sales open.
- Nov–Dec 2025: Trade outlets and airline notices report phased travel commencement (some outlets reference 17 Nov as earliest operational date for selected markets).
Quotes / attribution
- SAA (media release): “SAA is proud to partner with TAAG to expand seamless connectivity across Southern Africa and beyond,” the airline said in its newsroom post.
- TAAG (state press): TAAG and Angolan press described the deal as a commercial step in expanding Luanda’s hub role and strengthening links with South Africa. National press outlets and allAfrica reported on the signing in Luanda.
What’s next? industry watchlist
- GDS & ticketing rollout: Confirm when full codeshare inventory is live across major GDS platforms (Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport).
- Onward long-haul bookings: Monitor uptake on through-tickets from South Africa to Lisbon and São Paulo via Luanda (demand and yield impact).
- Operational performance & connections: Watch schedule reliability and minimum connection times at Luanda for smooth through-connections.
Sources & further reading
- SAA newsroom, TAAG Angola Airlines and South African Airways expand connectivity with new codeshare agreement.
- AirlineGeeks, South African Airways Enters Codeshare Agreement With Angola’s TAAG, Lorne Philipot, 6 Dec 2025.
- CAPA / Centre for Aviation, TAAG and South African Airways launch codeshare partnership.
- TourismUpdate / Airspace-Africa / Travel & Tour World, route and tourism impact coverage.
- AllAfrica / Angola Press Agency, reporting on the Luanda signing.
