Discovery and SAA have signed an agreement making SAA its new airline partner, following the recent demise of Comair.
Discovery also partners with Airlink, CemAir, Flysafair and LIFT.
The collaboration will see SAA flights being made available on the Vitality Travel platform.
Moreover, it will give Discovery Bank’s platinum, black and purple card clients access to SAA’s airport lounges, as the bank endeavours to make the airport experience a pleasant one for its clients.
Prior to its closure, Comair served as a flight partner to Discovery, offering discounts to its Vitality members on kulula.com and BA Comair.
Hylton Kallner, Discovery Bank CEO, said airport lounges were popular but difficult to establish given the limited real estate available in airports. He said the SAA lounges were well positioned in the airports. “We'll be investing significantly to upgrade the lounges,” he said in an audio interview with EWN.
He said the whole airport experience was important to the Bank, pointing out the priority lanes Discovery Bank has rolled out in domestic departures. The bank is now rolling out a similar priority structure for Discovery Bank clients in international arrivals.
Kallner explained in an SAA media release, that the partnership was a contribution to both government and the national carrier’s broader aims to revitalise operations through a public-private partnership, while contributing to the tourism industry. “We are delighted to work with SAA to upgrade these iconic lounges. Along with our Priority Fast Track Lanes at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports, Discovery Bank clients will now enjoy the best possible end-to-end travel experience,” he said.
Until the end of the year, entry rules allow Discovery Bank clients unlimited use of the lounges, and they may take in up to four guests. From the start of 2023, there will be a maximum number of visits per year (up to 40 depending on the card level).
SAA Commercial Executive Simon Newton-Smith said: “This partnership allows customers to enjoy world-class facilities at SAA lounges and we are very much looking forward to welcoming Discovery clients.”
