United extends Africa reach in deal with local carrier

United expanded its reach to southern African destinations like Madagascar, Mozambique and Victoria Falls, inking a code-share agreement with a growing local carrier. The deal with closely held SA Airlink Pty Ltd. adds connections to more than 40 African locations for travelers from the US. It’s the latest sign of a reopening of international travel in the region following the coronavirus pandemic. “United continues to demonstrate our commitment to Africa, starting three brand-new flights to the continent this year alone,” Patrick Quayle, VP of international network and alliances at United, said Tuesday. Airlink is bidding to fill a void left by national carrier South African Airways, which recently emerged from bankruptcy proceedings and is flying to limited destinations. Airlink, known before the pandemic as a way to get from Johannesburg to small towns dotted around the country, signed a similar deal with Gulf giant Emirates in August. <br/>