Partnerships are essential to an airline’s success as they allow carriers to pull together their resources to expand their routes, enhance their operations, and offer greater value to their customers. Airlines partner on different levels, from simple interline agreements between two carriers to bigger and more comprehensive alliances.
There are three major alliances: Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld. Some of the world’s largest airlines, including the US big three, are part of these alliances, offering connectivity to thousands of destinations worldwide. There are also a few African airlines that have joined the alliances to offer greater access to the African market. Let us take a look.
The three stars of Africa
Star Alliance is the oldest and largest airline alliance. It was founded on May 14, 1997, linking five major airlines into a single network. Its creation marked a significant milestone for global air travel, offering a completely new type of service for customers. Today, it has 25 members and a network of over 2,000 destinations. It also has the most African members.
South African Airways – April 2006
South Africa’s national carrier joined Star Alliance on April 10, 2006, becoming the first African carrier to join the alliance. For several years, South African Airways served numerous destinations in Africa and beyond with its own fleet and through its partnerships with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost subsidiary Mango.
However, the airline has significantly reduced its operations over the last decade after facing several economic and political challenges. Since exiting business rescue in 2021, the airline has resumed a number of international destinations and looks to return to its former glory.
SAA has an independent frequent flyer program known as Voyager. It is one of Africa’s most comprehensive loyalty programs in Africa with many perks, including access to world-class lounges. Voyager allows members to earn and spend miles on any Star Alliance carrier, with benefits including (depending on your status):
- Priority check-in
- Additional baggage allowance
- Security fast-track
- Priority boarding
Taking a look at South African Airways’ refurbished lounge at OR Tambo International Airport.
Egyptair – July 2008
Egyptair is one of the world’s oldest airlines and currently Africa’s second-largest by fleet size. The airline joined Star Alliance on July 17, 2008, about 76 years after its founding. Egyptair is the only airline based in North Africa and the Middle East that is part of the Star Alliance network.
The airline currently flies to eight domestic and 84 international destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, with a fleet of over 60 aircraft. Egyptair Plus is the airline’s frequent flyer program. It is aligned with the Star Alliance network, allowing members to earn and spend with other member airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines – December 2011
Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline by fleet size and destinations served. It has over 130 aircraft, with many more on order. Based at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the airline flies to over 19 domestic and 120 international destinations. It plays a pivotal role in connecting travelers within Africa, serving nearly all 54 countries.
Ethiopian Airlines was accepted as a future Star Alliance member in September 2010 and officially joined the group in December 2011. Joining the alliance marked one of the most important milestones in the airline’s history, helping it progress with its growth strategy. Then CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam even said,
“It is another historical milestone for Ethiopian to join this most prestigious and longest-serving Alliance in the world. This day will remain colorfully marked in our history books.”
Ethiopian’s loyalty program is known as ShebaMiles. Members can earn miles from flying and non-flying activities and spend them with Ethiopian or any of the other 24 Star Alliance carriers. Ethiopian is also one of the few African carriers with a stopover program, giving passengers a chance to explore Addis Ababa during long layovers.
