Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that promises enhanced operational and commercial synergies benefiting the airlines’ customers and countries.
The Air France-KLM and Etihad Collaboration in Brief
The MoU signing took place at Air France-KLM Group’s headquarters in Paris. Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, was present on behalf of Air France-KLM with Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways. The MoU covers an extension of the codeshare and interline agreement initiated almost a decade ago in 2012. The immediate impact? Over 40 new routes covering vast territories from Europe and the Middle East to Asia Pacific and Australia. These new routes are available for booking now for the winter 2023 season.
Loyalty Program Enhancements
Moreover, Flying Blue and Etihad Guest loyalty program members can now earn and redeem their miles both airlines. Added benefits include collaborative ventures in terminal co-location, ground handling, and lounge access.
More Connections
Etihad Airways is already an active player in the European market. Its daily flights connect Abu Dhabi to cities like Paris and Amsterdam. Air France is gearing up to roll out its daily flights between Paris and Abu Dhabi from October 29, 2023.
Comments from the Top
Angus Clarke, the dynamic Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer of Air France-KLM voiced his enthusiasm, emphasizing the 11-year successful collaboration and the allure of Abu Dhabi as a destination.
“We aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership. This moment marks our commitment to providing seamless, premium, customer-centric travel experiences to our global customer base,” Clarke said.
Speaking for Etihad, Arik De noted the improved connectivity this partnership promises, further bolstering Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth.
“We are excited to expand our collaboration with Air France-KLM. This MoU serves as a testament to our shared vision of creating premium journeys for our guests,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming more guests to our home, enjoying better travel benefits and enhanced customer experiences along the way.”
Air France-KLM also partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism earlier this year. Their aim is to solidify the connectivity between Europe and Abu Dhabi.