Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at optimizing their collaboration opportunities in passenger operations, frequent flyer programs, job development and maintenance.
The signing ceremony took place at Air France-KLM Group headquarters in Paris, France in the presence of Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer of Air France-KLM, and Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways.
“This MOU builds on our existing partnership and explores deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leverage AF-KL’s extensive network in Europe and beyond. It reaffirms Etihad’s intention to drive Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth, and we look forward to welcoming more guests to our home, enjoying enhanced travel benefits and improved customer experiences along the way,” said Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer.
Through this partnership, and subject to the necessary government approvals, Air France-KLM and Etihad contemplate expanding their codeshare and interline agreements initiated in 2012. As a first phase, more than 40 new routes covering destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Australia will be available for booking for the 2023/2024 winter season.
The MOU also gives customers of the Flying Blue and Etihad Guest frequent flyer programs the ability to accrue and redeem miles with Air France, KLM and Etihad. The airlines will also explore terminal sharing, lounge access and ground handling, among other initiatives.
Etihad currently has daily flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam from Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, Air France will begin daily operations between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi from October 29, 2023.
Earlier this year, Air France-KLM carried out the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the aim of boosting connectivity between Europe and Abu Dhabi.
“This MoU builds on our existing partnership and explores deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leverage AF-KL’s extensive network to Europe and beyond. It reaffirms Etihad’s intention to drive Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth, and we look forward to welcoming more guests to our home, enjoying enhanced travel benefits and improved customer experiences along the way,” said Angus Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Air France-KLM.
See also: Etihad Cargo increases its winter belly cargo capacity
