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UAE flights: Emirates, Etihad announce interline expansion; passengers to get more flexible travel options

This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport

The UAE's flagship airlines Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed a first-of-its-kind partnership agreement that will provide travellers with more convenient itinerary options when visiting the country.

This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi — with a seamless return via the other airport. It will allow them to enjoy the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey, plus easier baggage check-in.

Essentially, the ‘open jaw’ arrangement will allow visitors to cover as much ground as possible when exploring Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate — saving time by removing the need to fly home via their arrival airport.

Customers travelling into the UAE also have the option of ‘multi-city flights’, with the choice to travel from one city on both carriers’ networks, and conveniently returning to another point served by either Emirates or Etihad.

In the initial stages, each carrier will focus on attracting visitors to the UAE by developing inbound interline traffic from select points in Europe and China.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, chief commercial officer of Emirates, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer of Etihad Airways, in the presence of Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, and Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad, along with other senior representatives.

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Clark said the new partnership provides a strong foundation to develop further opportunities between both airlines.

“We are pleased to be working again with Etihad Airways – this time to allow each carrier to offer a new range of seamless travel options in and out of the UAE. Emirates and Etihad are leveraging on our strengths to expand our respective customer offerings and boost UAE tourism," he said.

Neves said it's a win-win proposition for travellers. "With two world-class airlines supporting UAE tourism, our interline agreement will make it more convenient for our guests to experience the best of Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one single ticket while promising to deliver an exceptional flying experience whether they fly with Etihad Airways or Emirates."

The expanded interline partnership draws upon the commitment of both airlines to support the UAE Government’s objective to promote tourism and enhance its position as a preferred global destination.

Tourism is one of the key pillars of the UAE economy and is expected to contribute to 5.4 per cent of the nation’s total GDP, or Dh116.1 billion ($31.6 billion), supporting over 1 million jobs by 2027.

This is the second time the airlines have announced a collaboration. In 2018, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen aviation security, including the sharing of information and intelligence in operational areas both within and outside the UAE.

Tickets can be booked on www.emirates.com, www.etihad.com, with Online Travel Agencies, as well as travel agents.