PHOTO: Etihad
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have announced a groundbreaking joint venture, marking the first commercial partnership between a Middle Eastern and a Chinese airline. This strategic alliance aims to expand and enhance the route network between the UAE and China, providing more travel options and seamless experiences for passengers.
Set to be implemented in early 2025, this joint venture will focus on key Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Kunming, connecting them to major destinations in the UAE and the broader Middle East and Africa regions. As part of the collaboration, the airlines will also integrate their frequent flyer programs by late 2024, allowing passengers to earn and redeem points across both carriers.
Etihad Airways CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating that it will offer travelers enhanced options and contribute to Abu Dhabi's economic growth. China Eastern Airlines Chairman, Wang Zhiqing, emphasized the joint venture's alignment with the 40th anniversary of China-UAE diplomatic relations and its role in furthering the Belt and Road Initiative. This collaboration represents a new era of cooperation, poised to benefit both airlines and their passengers.
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