Etihad Airways inks joint venture with China Eastern Airlines

UAE's national airline Etihad Airways has signed a joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, one of China's big three airlines. It marks the first commercial joint venture (JV) between a Middle Eastern and Chinese airline. Under the agreement, both airlines will jointly develop and grow routes between their respective regions, building a stronger combined network. ""This JV will allow Etihad and China Eastern to offer travellers enhanced travel options and exceptional value,"" said Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves. ""We are confident the JV will unlock a new era of travel opportunities, while also boosting the economic growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE."" China Eastern Airlines chairman Wang Zhiqing commented: ""Both countries continue to develop and strengthen the high-value, strategic collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative, and this momentum creates opportunities and motivation for deepening cooperation between China Eastern Airlines and Etihad Airways."" Neves had said in an interview with Bloomberg on June 3, 2024, that the airline is looking to expand further through its initial public offering (IPO). He told the outlet: ""We're working very hard to make it happen whenever it is the time."" The carrier has picked banks for the potential IPO and could raise as much as $1bn.