Etihad, EgyptAir sign codeshare agreement

abu dhabi - The partnership will be introduced in phases

Etihad Airways and EgyptAir have announced a new codeshare partnership to be introduced in phases from Wednesday.

Under the initial phase of the agreement, Etihad Airways will place its 'EY' code on EgyptAir operated flights between Abu Dhabi and Cairo, while EgyptAir will place its 'MS' code on Etihad Airways flights between the two capital cities.

During the second phase, Etihad Airways will gain access to major cities across Africa on flights operated by EgyptAir via its Cairo hub. In turn, the Egyptian airline will be able to access key routes to Australia and the Far East served by Etihad Airways from its Abu Dhabi operational hub.

The third phase will see the EY code placed on domestic flights across Egypt.

Peter Baumgartner, CEO of Etihad Airways, said this new codeshare agreement reinforces Etihad Airways' commitment to a partnership strategy with airlines around the world that provides guests with more travel options to destinations worldwide.

"Our new partner will also help further promote tourism, cultural and business opportunities between the UAE and Africa."

Members of Etihad Airways' and EgyptAir's loyalty programmes, Etihad Guest and EgyptAir Plus, will be able to earn miles on the codeshare flights at a later stage, with a view to expanding the partnership to include additional destinations on both airlines' networks.

- business@khaleejtimes.com