Etihad in codeshare deal with Aerolineas

Etihad Airways and the Latin American carrier Aerolineas Argentinas have launched a new codeshare partnership.

Under the agreement, Etihad customers can connect via Rome and Madrid to Buenos Aires and onwards to nine other popular Argentinian destinations – Cordoba, Mendoza, Rosario, Iguazu, Salta, Mar del Plata, Bariloche, Trelew and Ushuaia, the Abu Dhabi airline said.

In turn, Aerolineas guests can have access to Etihad’s network of over 100 destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub via the Italian and Spanish capitals.

“This codeshare demonstrates the importance of Argentina as a vital travel market for Etihad Airways in Latin America given the growing tourism, cultural and business opportunities that exist between the UAE and Argentina,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways executive vice president commercial.

“We wish to give travellers flying Aerolineas Argentinas the opportunity to enjoy the acclaimed service and hospitality for which Etihad Airways is renowned throughout the world. This codeshare will make the experience that much easier.”

Diego Garcia, Aerolineas’ chief commercial officer, said: “This is a very good opportunity to consolidate and increase our offer to one of the most important hubs in the Middle East. It also allows us to improve our load factors, optimise the use of the fleet and strengthen the image of Aerolíneas Argentinas in the Asian market. We hope that this agreement will also be the gateway for many tourists to visit some of the most attractive landmarks in our country.”

Codeshare agreements offer customers benefits, such as baggage check-in to their final destination and extra assistance during connections. Members of both airlines’ loyalty programmes – Etihad Guest and Aerolineas Plus – will soon be able to earn and redeem miles on the codeshare flights, Etihad said.

Founded in 1950, Aerolineas is headquartered at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. The carrier flies to 24 international destinations in America and Europe.

Together with Austral Lineas Aereas, Aerolineas operates flights to 37 destinations in the country and provides links between Argentina and the region through its re-launched operations centre at Jorge Newbery Airport.

The Aerolineas Group is currently carrying out a fleet renewal programme, consisting of Airbus A330, A340, Boeing 737-700 / 800 and Embraer 190 aircraft.

Aerolineas has been a member of the SkyTeam global alliance since September 2012.