Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance commercial and operational collaboration.
Highlights include passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development and maintenance.
The signing ceremony took place at the Abu Dhabi airline’s headquarters in Paris. Representatives from both carriers were present.
The agreement contemplates expanding both airlines’ codeshare and interline agreements initiated in 2012. Another proposal is the ability for frequent flyers of Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM and Etihad. Terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling will also be explored.
More than 40 new routes covering Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia are now available for bookings as early as this winter.
Angus Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at 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 passengers from all around the world.”
Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad, added: “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.
“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 passenger experiences along the way.”
Etihad operates daily flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Meanwhile, Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from October 29 2023.
