UAE-based flagship carrier Emirates is looking to expand its reach in the African continent. In order to do so, it has signed an interline agreement with South Africa-based carrier Airlink, media reports said.
Emirates said in a statement that the deal would allow the carrier to boost its connectivity through its gateways in Johannesburg and Cape Town to more than 25 domestic and regional destinations in South Africa.
Tim Clark, the President of Emirates airline told the media, “Emirates is pleased to partner with Airlink on a new interline agreement that will help us strengthen our presence and give customers more choice, flexibility and enhanced connections across 45 cities in Southern Africa. We are committed to our operations in South Africa, as we continue to look at ways to build our extended network for customers, and help them benefit with diverse travel options.”
Clark added that the agreement was the first step of future cooperation as Emirates is looking to explore further opportunities to widen the scope of our partnership in the future.
Last month, Emirates announced that it has resumed operations to more African destinations from October 1, 2020. The carrier now flies to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban in South Africa and Harare in Zimbabwe and Mauritius.
This means Emirates now operates to 92 destinations in total in October.
Emirates also secured regulatory approval to operate flights to Tel Aviv, Israel. The services are expected to start in January next year.