• Flights

SAA and TAAG Angola Airlines Launch Codeshare, Unlocking Seamless Africa–Europe–South America Links SAA and TAAG Angola Airlines Launch Codeshare, Unlocking Seamless Africa–Europe–South America Links

South African Airways (SAA) and TAAG Angola Airlines have officially launched a new strategic codeshare agreement, marking a significant leap forward for regional and intercontinental connectivity across Africa, Europe, and South America. Ticket sales are now open, and travel under this partnership commenced on 1 December 2025, positioning Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Luanda as pivotal connecting hubs for the continent’s travellers.

This collaboration is set to transform the travel landscape for Africa’s tourism industry, offering a broader network, smoother connections, and enhanced convenience for both business and leisure passengers. The codeshare enables SAA to place its flight code on TAAG-operated services from Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT) to Luanda (LAD), with onward connections from Luanda to two major intercontinental destinations: Lisbon, Portugal, and São Paulo, Brazil [[1]](https://www.traveldailynews.com/aviation/taag-and-saa-launch-codeshare-to-strengthen-african-and-long-haul-links/). In return, TAAG customers gain access to SAA’s robuSAA and TAAG Angola Airlines Launch Codeshare, Unlocking Seamless Africa–Europe–South America Linksern African network, including Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town, Harare, and Lusaka.

For the African travel trade, this partnership delivers a host of practical benefits. Travellers can now book a single ticket in their local currency, enjoy integrated check-in and baggage handling, and experience seamless connections between regional and international flights. The joint marketing and sales approach means a wider selection of destinations and a more streamlined journey, reducing the friction often associated with multi-airline itineraries.

Both airlines have completed the necessary system integration to ensure a smooth rollout for travel professionals, corporates, and individual passengers. The codeshare is designed to support not only passenger convenience but also the broader goals of improving air connectivity across Africa. By facilitating easier movement for business travellers and boosting tourism flows between Southern and Central Africa, the agreement is expected to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties, while improving access to global markets [[1]](https://www.traveldailynews.com/aviation/taag-and-saa-launch-codeshare-to-strengthen-african-and-long-haul-links/).

For SAA, the partnership represents a strategic expansion of its network, reinforcing Johannesburg and Cape Town as gateways to the continent and beyond. For TAAG, the agreement opens up new opportunities for its customers to reach high-demand destinations within Southern Africa and to connect more efficiently to Europe and South America. The collaboration also allows both airlines to optimise their route networks, share operational resources, and enhance their competitive positioning in a rapidly evolving aviation market [[2]](https://travel.flightsite.co.za/airlines/south-african-airways/).

Industry observers note that this codeshare is particularly timely as African carriers seek to recover from recent global disruptions and respond to growing demand for intra-African and long-haul travel. The ability to offer integrated services and expanded route options is increasingly seen as a key differentiator for airlines aiming to capture a larger share of the continent’s burgeoning travel market [[3]](https://aviator.aero/press/south-african-airways-announces-code-share-agreement-with-taag-angola-airlines/).

For travel professionals, the new agreement simplifies itinerary planning and opens up new product possibilities. The convenience of one-ticket journeys, combined with the reliability of two established national carriers, is expected to appeal to both corporate and leisure segments. The partnership also supports the ambitions of African tourism boards and DMCs to attract more visitors by making the region more accessible and competitive on the global stage.

As the codeshare takes effect, SAA and TAAG are positioning themselves at the forefront of a new era in African aviation—one defined by collaboration, customer-centricity, and a commitment to unlocking the continent’s full tourism and business potential. For Africa’s travel sector, this development signals a future where seamless, multi-destination journeys are not just possible, but the new standard for regional and international travel.