Etihad Strikes Codeshare Deal With US Airline

posted on: Jul 10, 2009

The deal, announced on Thursday, will provide easy connection between Abu Dhabi and US cities, such as Washington, Los Angles, San Francisco and Houston, Etihad said.

American Airlines services between Europe and the US and domestic flights beyond New York and Chicago will carry Etihad’s EY code.

In turn, Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to New York, Chicago, Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt, Manchester and Milan will operate using the AA code of American Airlines.

“The United States represents a key market for Etihad and one in which we are keen to grow further, both through the addition of new routes of our own, such as Chicago, and through close co-operation with other well-established airlines such as American Airlines,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ CEO.

“American Airlines is one of world’s largest and most respected airlines, and we see this codeshare agreement very much as the start of a deepening strategic relationship which both airlines are committed to developing further in the future.”

The agreement is subject to US government approval, which if granted will become effective in September to coincide with the launch of Etihad flights to Chicago.

If cleared, the agreement will enable passengers flying with both airlines on a connecting flight to buy a single ticket. Luggage bound for the final destination will be checked in just once.

Etihad flies to New York and Toronto in Canada, and will launch services to Chicago on Sept. 2. The three weekly flight will increase to daily services from October.

Rob Morris
ArabianBusiness.com