Cooperation in the fields of Engineering and Cargo services in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv
El Al Israel Airlines, the national airline of Israel, and Etihad Airways are set to explore deeper cooperation following the recent signing of a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The wide-ranging MoU covers scope to introduce joint code-share services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as on the global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs.
The MoU also contains plans for greater commercial cooperation in the fields of cargo, engineering, loyalty, destination management and the optimal use of pilot and cabin crew training facilities.
The MoU was signed ‘virtually’ by Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, and Gonen Usishkin, CEO, El Al Israel Airlines.
“We look forward to examining ways in which the two flag carriers Etihad and El Al can work more closely together to improve business operations and enhance the experience for our guests,” remarked Douglas.
“Following the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, we have been provided a great opportunity to examine the possibility of cooperation with Etihad Airways,” commented Usishkin.
Both carriers’ engineering and cargo divisions are also set to begin talks about greater cooperation. These discussions would look at optimizing MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul) opportunities, as well as ways to increase volumes of freighter traffic flowing into and out of Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, and across the carriers’ combined networks.
Etihad Airways announced recently to commence daily services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv from 28 March 2021.
