Etihad, Saudia ink codeshare
abu dhabi — Etihad Airways and Saudi national flag carrier Saudia have announced a new codeshare partnership, providing customers with access to more than 40 leisure and business destinations in the home markets and across the world.
In addition to the codeshare agreement, the two carriers also announced plans for greater commercial cooperation in other fields, including frequent flyer programme benefits, cargo, and engineering and maintenance.
The codeshare agreement was signed at Saudia headquarters in Jeddah by Saleh bin Naser Al Jasser, director-general, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group.
They were joined by Jaan Albercht, chief executive officer of Saudia; Ahmed Al Qubaisi, senior vice-president Government & International Affairs, Etihad Aviation Group; and Ali Saleh, vice-president Alliances & Partnerships, Etihad Aviation Group.
Al Jasser said the new partnership broadens aviation and transport links with the United Arab Emirates, building on the extensive aviation investment and strong foundation in the sector.
“With the agreement, the added network coverage enables our guests to benefit from added flexibility and convenience, as well as increase the benefits for members of both airlines’ frequent flyer plans.”
Douglas said the ties shared between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the deepest that the two nations have, and therefore “we are extremely proud to play our role” and bring the two flag carriers together in this unique partnership.
“The partnership will allow for enhanced seamless travel across the Etihad Airways and Saudia networks which we anticipate will be highly popular with business and leisure travellers, especially those looking to fly to secondary city destinations,” he said.
The codeshare agreement will see Etihad Airways place its ‘EY’ code on Saudia’s flights.