Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience.
This partnership comes on the backdrop of Etihad’s recent move to Beijing Daxing International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyuan which are hubs of China Southern. The MoU provides scope for expansion on the current codeshare allowing both the airlines to extend global flight networks beyond the two hubs.
The MOU also contains plans for mutual procurement opportunities across ground handling, cargo handling, bonded warehousing, catering, and maintenance, repair and overhaul in either Guangzhou, Beijing or Abu Dhabi, broadening cooperation opportunities in the airline supply chain.
Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad looks forward to working with China Southern Airlines to explore comprehensive and pragmatic ways in which the two carriers can work more closely together, to drive greater value through our unique strengths at Beijing Daxing International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and further extend the reach of our joint network. Advanced cooperation between the two airlines sends a very strong signal to the industry and brings further hope of recovery for the global aviation and travel markets.”
Zhang Dongsheng, Deputy Director General, Commercial Steering Committee, China Southern Airlines, said: "The signing of the MOU opens a new chapter of win-win cooperation between the two carriers, which will further strengthen our unique advantages in the hub of Beijing Daxing International Airport, expand our global network and bring more convenience to passengers. China Southern Airlines and Etihad have maintained a good partnership throughout the pandemic and will continue to deepen cooperation and explore more possibilities in the future.