South African Airways (SAA) and India's biggest private airline Jet Airways have forged an alliance to boost business and efficiency on routes between Africa and India, SAA said on Sunday.
SAA said the agreement, based on a strategic regional alliance, followed talks in London in September.
The two companies would improve connections between their flights as well as code-sharing and co-operating on baggage handling, check-in and other technology, it said.
"This relationship will cover all areas of operation and potential mutual interest while respecting any existing relationships that both airlines have with third parties," SAA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Oyama Mabandla said in a statement.
Political links between India and South Africa have been strengthened by a three-way alliance with Brazil, while South Africa also has close business and cultural links with India thanks to its economically influential Indian population.