Etihad Aviation Group and Lufthansa Group extend cooperation

Etihad Aviation Group and Lufthansa German Airlines, part of Europe’s largest aviation group, unveiled details of a new commercial partnership.

The two airline groups have concluded a US$100-million global catering agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Addressing a press conference in Abu Dhabi, the chief executives of both airline groups spelled out plans to broaden their commercial partnership.

James Hogan, Etihad Aviation Group president and chief executive officer, said: “Partnerships are at the heart of our strategy and remain fundamental for us to compete effectively and efficiently in a complex and competitive global market.

“Our collaboration with one of the aviation industry’s most established and recognized brands is undoubtedly the most significant non-equity partnership with an airline we have ever announced.

“This partnership is the platform for a much wider strategic collaboration between our two organizations. It demonstrates the commitment of the Etihad Aviation Group Board and Abu Dhabi to our European growth strategy.”

Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa Group chairman and chief executive officer, said: “We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our cooperation with the Etihad Aviation Group. Together we can create added value for our customers and shareholders. Partnering with the Etihad Aviation Group fits perfectly the Lufthansa Group’s global strategy for our passenger airlines and service companies.”

The four-year catering contract will see Lufthansa’s LSG Sky Chefs provide catering services to Etihad Airways in 16 cities in Europe, Asia and the Americas. This makes LSG the largest provider of catering services to the UAE’s national airline, outside its Abu Dhabi home base.

Etihad Aviation Group and Lufthansa Technik (LHT) also signed an MoU to explore cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul services.