New SAA, Etihad deal takes flight
AFTER generating a staggering loss of R1.2-billion last year, SAA is planning to form partnerships with other airline companies in a bid to cut costs.
One such partnership has resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Etihad Airways. This will give SAA access to 12 destinations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The MOU with the UAE airline will also give SAA access to other destinations in Asia and Middle East.
SAA acting chief executive Nico Bezuidenhout said the partnership would also see the companies cooperating on maintenance, cargo and procurement services.
“We are not only aim- ing to bring more tourists and businesspeople to our shores but we want to deliver a seamless service,” Bezuidenhout said.
“This will enable us to increase our reach and control costs.”
Etihad chief executive James Hogan said the MOU would pave the way for comprehensive cooperation between the airlines, as air traffic in Africa was set to grow.
“It has been forecast that air traffic is going to grow at an annual rate of 6.8% in Africa between now and 2016. This is the fastest-growing region in the world for passenger traffic,” Hogan added.
Etihad operates seven flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg. – sibanyonim@sowetan.co.za