More flights to UAE expected as Etihad signs partnership with China Eastern Airlines – News

The United Arab Emirates’ national airline Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines on Thursday signed a partnership that will provide travelers with broader choice, higher quality services and greater value, while contributing to sustainable aviation.

Building on their existing successful partnership, the two airlines plan to implement an extensive collaboration strategy, including expanded code sharing, reciprocal loyalty programs, cargo transportation, maintenance, repair and overhaul, ground handling, catering, lounge access, staff training and various sustainability aspects. initiatives.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) should facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to start services to Abu Dhabi through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and other key stakeholders in the capital of the UAE.

A combination of Etihad and China Eastern services, which comes as the newly opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport begins operations, will create a strong platform for air traffic between China and the United Arab Emirates and establish a ideal launch site for connections between China and the Middle East. and Africa.

“Our two airlines have had a long-standing partnership for more than a decade. This MoU is an important milestone and a key to establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. I am very encouraged by the momentum of our cooperation and look forward to seeing success,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighting the importance of the partnership.

“It also marks a significant development of direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and underlines the confidence of one of the most influential Chinese airlines in Etihad. The MoU paves the way for an agreement that will boost Abu Dhabi’s economic development, as well as supporting China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’.”

Li Yangmin, president of China Eastern Airlines Group, said: “The MoU builds on our existing cooperation. It makes possible an agreement that would allow us to collaborate in a real and practical way as part of the continually flourishing relationship between China and the United Arab Emirates.

“The connection between China Eastern’s hub in Shanghai and Etihad’s network through Abu Dhabi will significantly enhance our footprint in the Middle East and Africa. “It supports our commitment to building the Belt and Road Initiative and the ‘Air Silk Road’, stimulating economic, trade and cultural exchanges between China and partner countries.”

Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, added: “In a remarkable testament to strengthened collaboration, our partnership goes beyond operational improvements and emphasizes promoting extensive people-to-people exchanges.

“We look forward to welcoming a wave of Chinese tourists to the UAE, inviting them to immerse themselves in our nation’s unique culture. As we approach the upcoming 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China, we express our sincere hopes for an even deeper relationship in diplomacy, trade, culture and other spheres.”

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