South African Airways (SAA) has announced new fuel surcharge and travel agency commissions from October 1, 2012.

According to Tim Clyde-Smith, SAA’s Country Manager, Australasia, SAA YR fuel surcharges on eligible international published fares sold from both point of sale in Australia and with travel originating in Australia will attract a 5% base commission for SAA tickets.

“This move follows our close assessment of the situation with other airlines including our partners and in all the markets in which we operate,” Tim said.

Tickets issued for departure from outside Australia will not attract this commission.

“Eligible international published fares include published non-discounted airfares sold through travel agents and on major computer reservations systems. Commission will not be paid on contracted, net, wholesale and private fares.”

“SAA is also announcing it will now pay a 5% standard commission to travel agents for tickets issued in Australia for international fares to destinations in Africa, South America, Europe, UK and the US. The commission will also apply to SAA regional flights on the airline’s Africa network and on Star Alliance Round-the-world airfares with at least one long haul sector on SAA.”

“”We will pay 3% commission on SAA domestic flights within South Africa which are ticketed separately to a relevant international ticket.”

“SAA remains committed to the excellent working relationships we hold with our travel industry partners and look forward to continuing to build our business with the industry in the future,” Tim concluded.

Note for editor: SAA has daily non-stop flights between Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg, with direct connections to the largest network in Africa. SAA is consistently voted the 'Best Airline & Cabin Crew in Africa' winning it for the 16th consecutive year in the Travel Weekly Globe Awards in London. SAA took out top honours at the recent WTA awards in London, with three awards in the Africa category. SAA is a member of STAR, the world’s largest alliance which offers more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.