Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines are to ‘explore a deepened co-operation’ to collaborate on a wide range of services, including an expanded codeshare, which will facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi at the newly-opened Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A.
Describing the “enduring partnership” enjoyed by both airlines for over a decade, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad, explained that the new agreement “marks a significant development of one of the direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and underscores the confidence of one of the most influential Chinese carriers in Etihad”. He added that the Memorandum of Understanding “paves for the way for an agreement that will boost Abu Dhabi’s economic development, as well as supporting China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative”.
“As we approach the forthcoming 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China, we express our sincere hopes for an even deeper relationship across diplomacy, trade, culture, and various other spheres,” commented His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, the UAE ambassador to China.
In addition to the new codeshare, the partnership will also encompass reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, MRO provision, ground handling, catering, passenger lounge access, staff training and several sustainability initiatives.