Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines, Asia’s largest airline have announced a new codeshare partnership, which comes into effect on 22 June 2017.
Under the agreement, China Southern Airlines will put its 'CZ' code on Etihad Airways’ daily services between Beijing (PEK)/Shanghai (PVG)/Chengdu (CTU) and Abu Dhabi.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways’ Executive Vice President Commercial, said: “The codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines is a significant milestone in the airlines’ network development strategy and a key component of its footprint in the China market. China is one of the fastest growing travel markets in the world, and one of the most competitive. By partnering with China Southern Airlines, each airline can use its strengths to benefit the other and offer more choice with enhanced connectivity to all guests, while experiencing the world-class services and products offered by both airlines.
Zhang Lin, China Southern Airlines’ senior management on international cooperation, welcomed the establishment of the new partnership with Etihad Airways’ management team. He said: “We are excited about the new partnership with Etihad Airways, which will further strengthen the global network of both airlines and provide increased benefits to all our passengers.”
“Through this partnership, China Southern Airlines will be able to extend our services globally- via Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub to the Middle East, Africa and Europe.”
Both Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines are planning to implement a reciprocal loyalty partnership in the near future to enable the guests to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights network-wide.