Abu Dhabi: Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in passenger operations, loyalty programs, talent development, and maintenance.
The signing ceremony took place at the Air France-KLM Group’s headquarters in Paris, France, in the presence of Mr. Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM, and Mr. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways.
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 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 on October 29, 2023.
“We are excited to expand our collaboration with Air France-KLM, with this MoU serving as a testament to our shared vision of creating premium journeys for our guests. This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris and leveraging the extensive AF-KL network to Europe and beyond,” Mr. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad, said.
“It reaffirms Etihad’s intent to bolster Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth as we look forward to welcoming more guests to our home enjoying better travel benefits and enhanced customer experiences along the way,” the Chief Revenue Officer added.