Tag Archives: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines announces landmark joint venture

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines announced the signing of a Joint Venture (JV) to cement the strategic partnership between the two airlines. This historic milestone, signed at Etihad Airways’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi, marks the first commercial JV between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline. The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV will allow the airlines to jointly develop and grow the routes between UAE and China, resulting in a stronger combined network. This JV signifies a commitment to offering expanded travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and across the Middle East and Africa regions. Etihad and China Eastern Airlines will implement the joint venture cooperation in early 2025 when both teams secure all necessary regulatory clearances. Additionally, both airlines will introduce full reciprocity to their existing frequent flyer programmes in the final quarter of 2024, allowing passengers to seamlessly earn points and redeem rewards when flying with either airline. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasized the significance of the partnership. He said: “This JV marks a significant milestone in our partnership with China Eastern. The JV will allow Etihad and China Eastern to offer travelers enhanced travel options and exceptional value. 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.” His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, lauded the agreement as a landmark achievement, stating: “This Joint Venture signifies a deep commitment to strengthening the bonds between the UAE and China, while fostering …

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Etihad Airways celebrates inaugural flight to Boston

Etihad Airways touched down for the first time in Boston marking the launch of regular services between Abu Dhabi and the US city, strengthening ties and enriching travel options for passengers. The inaugural flight, EY147, was celebrated at Abu Dhabi Airport before take-off, and on arrival in Massachusetts, Etihad’s captains waved UAE and US flags from the cockpit to celebrate the start of the carrier’s fourth non-stop service to America. The new service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats. With 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy boasting entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, passengers can expect a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, complemented by world-class service and hospitality. “We are thrilled to inaugurate flights to Boston, further extending our reach across the United States and enhancing connectivity for travellers,” said Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves. “This new route not only brings the allure of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the American Northeast but also signifies our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and fostering global connections. “The new route is timed to offer convenient links to our growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the Middle East and our 11 routes across India.” “Massport is pleased to welcome Etihad Airways to Boston Logan International Airport with their new flight to Abu Dhabi,” said Massport Interim CEO and Aviation Director Ed Freni. “This route provides a key connection between Boston and the UAE, and New Englanders now have even more options when planning a trip to the Middle East and beyond.” As …

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Manchester City and Etihad Airways launch community football projects across India

Manchester City and global partner Etihad Airways are flying towards a better future for young people in India, with the announcement of a brand-new community football initiative in cities across the country. The joint initiative will see Manchester City work in collaboration with Etihad Airways, Club charity City in the Community and non-governmental partner organisation (NGO) Magic Bus India Foundation, to deliver health and life skills training for local young people through football. The project will launch this April in three cities from the airline’s network: New Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, with more locations to follow. This marks the latest in a series of impactful community collaborations between Manchester City and Etihad since the launch of the Official Partnership between the two organisations in 2009, including global and regional summits in Manchester and Abu Dhabi, which upskill young leaders in community football coaching and leadership. The initiative will be delivered by local NGO Magic Bus India Foundation who have partnered with the club on various initiatives since 2016, including an Etihad supported programme in Kolkata, engaging 2,000 young people with health and hygiene education through football. To kick-start the impact, Etihad will fly coaches from City in the Community, the Club’s official charity, to India to deliver world-class football and leadership training to Young Leaders championing the projects. The trainees will then put their skills into practice, as part of their commitment to using football to uplift the health of young people in their cities. Tom Pitchon, Director of City Football Group’s global foundation, said: “We are proud to work with Etihad Airways to uplift the health and life skills of young people across India through the power of football. …

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Etihad Airways takes flight as official sponsor of Chennai Super Kings strengthens position of sports tourism

Etihad Airways announced its exciting new venture as the official sponsor for the Chennai Super Kings, strengthening their sports tourism strategies to attract more sports fans and elevate the fan experience by engaging in exciting activities, promotions, and unique initiatives throughout the upcoming season. Fans can expect a thrilling journey with Etihad as they support the Chennai Super Kings in their quest for victory. The partnership was revealed during a special ceremony held in CSK’s home city of Chennai. Welcomed by 2,000 enthusiastic fans, the ‘unveiling event’ was held at Kalaivanar Arangam, in the presence of team officials and Chennai Super Kings’ players, who joined Etihad cabin crew onstage wearing their new jerseys proudly displaying the airline’s logo. The Etihad partnership will come to life across Chennai Super Kings’ events and platforms, with Etihad showcased on the back of the Chennai super Kings’ jersey, through engaging activations and fan activities at events and matches, as well as offering exclusive deals to Chennai Super Kings’ fans. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Today marks the start of an extraordinary journey as we welcome the Chennai Super Kings to our sports portfolio. Cricket’s global resonance unites diverse communities, reflecting the shared values of Etihad and Chennai Super Kings. Our collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a celebration of a shared ethos, a testament to the collective spirit of Etihad and the Chennai Super Kings. “Cricket in India is truly incredible and the Chennai Super Kings fans really showcase exactly what it means to love and have true passion for the game in this incredible country. For Etihad, we believe in connecting with our travellers …

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Etihad and China Eastern Airlines strengthens strategic cooperation

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines signalled their intent to strengthen their partnership by signing a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance commercial and operational ties. The accord reflects a commitment to explore a deepened co-operation that will provide travellers with wider choices, higher quality services, and increased value, while contributing to sustainable aviation. Building upon their successful existing partnership, the airlines plan to implement a broad collaboration including an expanded codeshare, reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul, ground handling, catering, lounge access, staff training, and several sustainability initiatives. This comprehensive approach will improve efficiencies while maintaining world-renowned hospitality. The MoU should facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other key stakeholders in the UAE capital. A combination of Etihad and China Eastern services, which would coincide with the newly opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, will create a robust platform for China-UAE air traffic and establish an ideal launchpad for connections between China, the Middle East, and Africa. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasised the significance of the partnership. He said: “Our two airlines have operated an enduring partnership for over a decade. This MoU is an important milestone and a key to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial cooperation. I am highly encouraged by the momentum of our cooperation, and I look forward to seeing further success. “It also marks a significant development of the direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and underscores the confidence of one of the most influential Chinese carriers in Etihad. The MoU paves …

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Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways expand partnership to enhance commercial and operational collaboration

Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming at enhancing their collaboration opportunities across passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development, and maintenance. Through this partnership, and subject to any necessary regulatory approvals, Air France-KLM and Etihad contemplate expanding their codeshare and interline agreements initiated in 2012. As a first step, more than 40 new routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking as of today, for travel as early as the winter 2023 season. The signing ceremony took place at the Air France-KLM Group’s headquarters in Paris, France in the presence of Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM, and Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways. The MoU also proposes the ability for frequent flyers of both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM, and Etihad. The airlines will also explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling, among other initiatives. Etihad currently operates daily flights to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi international airport. Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from October 29, 2023. Angus Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Air France-KLM, said: “I’m delighted to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways. This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and …

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Kuwait Airways strengthens codeshare with Turkish Airlines

Kuwait Airways held a bilateral meeting with Turkish Airlines to consolidate relations between the two sides and to discuss commercial aspects related to exchange under the common codeshare agreement. This meeting was held in the presence of Kuwait Airways’ delegation in the city of Istanbul, and headed by the Chairman of Kuwait Airways, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan along with accompanying officials. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan stated, “We are pleased to meet the CEO of Turkish Airlines, Mr. Bilal Ekşi and his accompanying delegation. The focus of the meeting was to strengthen bilateral relations between Kuwait Airways and Turkish Airlines through a codeshare agreement and ways to develop this agreement to include new prospects in the interest and benefit of the two companies, as well as to increase the destinations between the two networks.” Al-Dukhan added, “The meeting complements the plans of Kuwait Airways to expand the horizons of cooperation with important airlines such as Turkish Airlines, in line with the company’s objectives in linking Kuwait to the world through such partnerships and discussions and to achieve them.” Al-Dukhan pointed out that Kuwait Airways is moving towards developing and improving all its services, many of which have been launched since the beginning of this year, in response to the requirements of its esteemed customers and coinciding with the commencement of the summer season and the increase in travel and passengers in Terminal 4. Kuwait Airways has launched 105 flights per day, operating to 60 destinations around the world with its new and diversified fleet.   Al-Dukhan emphasized the extent of relations between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Turkey, pointing out that the partnership was part of this …

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Etihad Airways set to welcome over 4 million passengers over summer holidays

As travellers begin flying for the summer holidays, Etihad Airways is prepared to welcome more than 4 million passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport between 20 June and 30 September 2023 and advises guests to follow below tips. A high volume of travellers will be joining locally in Abu Dhabi, with the remainder connecting from across Etihad’s extensive network of 66 destinations, including new summer routes to Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos which launched over the weekend. Etihad’s upgraded online check-in allows guests to complete passport and visa checks prior to reaching the airport. The Auto Doc Check feature ensures guests have met all relevant travel and visa requirements for a hassle-free airport experience. In addition, the airline’s self-service bag drop facility provides a quicker and more efficient check-in process, accommodating a greater number of guests and minimising queue times. Once checked-in online, the self-service facilities allow travellers to seamlessly retrieve their booking, print the bag-tag and process their bags in less than two minutes. Shaeb Al Najjar, General Manager Hub Operations, Etihad Airways, said “In addition to hosting guests as they fly into their summer holidays, we are also looking to welcome pilgrims, whether they are starting their journey from the UAE or connecting from other destinations across our extensive network. Thanks to Etihad’s award-winning cabin crew, family-friendly offerings, and cabin propositions, guests can expect the best possible travel experiences. By also embracing cutting-edge technologies, we can deliver a more seamless and personalised experience for our guests.” During peak times, Economy check-in for non-US flights opens four hours before departure and closes one hour before departure. Business and First check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. For US flights check-in closes …

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Astra Tech Partners with Etihad Airways to Launch Flight Bookings on Botim

Astra Tech (Astra), a leading consumer technology holding group based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, that will enable customers to book flights through BOTIM, the MENA region’s leading VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution, which was recently relaunched as an Ultra app. The partnership was signed today at the Arabian Travel Market, between Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves and Astra Tech’s Founder, Abdallah Abu Sheikh. With this partnership, Astra Tech and Etihad are providing customers with a fresh and hassle-free approach to booking flights. Through the BOTIM GPT module developed by Astra Tech, flights and other travel-related services are integrated into the Botim app, offering a convenient and innovative way for customers to book Etihad flights. The partnership aims to enhance the travel experience for customers by focusing on promotions and financing solutions, underscoring the companies’ steadfast commitment to delivering innovative and customer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers. Working together, Etihad and Astra Tech will provide customers with a comprehensive and integrated travel experience that simplifies the process of booking flights and accessing other travel-related services. The integration of flights into the Botim app enables customers to enjoy a more convenient and all-inclusive travel experience, making it easier than ever before to plan their travels. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad is excited about this new partnership with Astra Tech, as it provides a unique opportunity to launch flight bookings on Botim, a communications platform that families and friends use to stay connected. By integrating flight bookings into the application, Etihad becomes a part of the conversation, making it convenient for guests …

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China Southern Airlines and Etihad Airways sign MOU for greater cooperation

Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines are set to explore deeper and broader cooperation opportunities following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience. Following Etihad’s move to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which is also China Southern Airlines’ hub, the MOU provides scope for expansion of the current codeshare co-operation and allows the partners to explore extending global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs, providing passengers with a more valuable, convenient and high-quality travel experience. This is further enhanced by Etihad services to China Southern’s home hub at Guangzhou Baiyuan, introduced in October 2022. 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. Mr. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This MOU will serve as a platform for a stronger ongoing relationship between the two airlines. 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 of 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 …

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