The Air France-KLM group and Etihad Airways are significantly expanding the scope of their existing codeshare and common route agreement: the two companies have signed a letter of intent that includes more flights, as well as cooperation in the areas of frequent flyer programs and maintenance.
The new contract was signed in Paris by Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM, and Eric Dee, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways. Under the agreement, 40 more flights will be included in the codeshare and airline agreement signed in 2012, including European, Middle Eastern, Far Eastern and Australian flights. Accordingly, passengers can purchase their tickets in each airline’s reservation system for flights participating in the program but operated by the partner airline, even in the 2023 winter schedule.
Etihad Airways currently operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Paris and Amsterdam, but connectivity between the two cities will continue to expand: on October 29, Air France will also launch a daily flight to the UAE capital, operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
In addition, the airlines have also agreed to harmonize their frequent flyer programs, so that passengers participating in the Flying Blue and Etihad Guest programs can also claim loyalty points after flights. In addition, use of the shared lounge and ground service will also be offered on a trial basis.
Regarding the agreement, Angeles Clark stressed that the main purpose of extending their cooperation for 11 years is to coordinate loyalty programs and maintenance tasks, in addition to increasing the number of flights participating in codeshare and joint agreements. “Abu Dhabi is attractive as a destination and transit hub, offering convenient connections to South and Southeast Asia and Australia.”
Eric Dee emphasized that based on their already existing partnership, they would like to deepen their professional relationship so that both parties can benefit from synergies. Thanks to this, Etihad Airways customers can use the extensive European network of Air France-KLM.
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