Agreement signed by both airlines in Shanghai, China
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines signalled their intent to strengthen their partnership by signing a recent Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance commercial and operational ties.
The accord reflects a commitment to explore a deepened co-operation that will provide travellers with wider choices, higher quality services, and increased value, while contributing to sustainable aviation.
Building upon their successful existing partnership, the airlines plan to implement a broad collaboration including an expanded codeshare, reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul, ground handling, catering, lounge access, staff training, and several sustainability initiatives. This comprehensive approach will improve efficiencies while maintaining world-renowned hospitality, according to a press communique.
Robust Platform
A combination of Etihad and China Eastern services, which would coincide with the newly opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, will create a robust platform for China-UAE air traffic and establish an ideal launchpad for connections between China, the Middle East, and Africa.
“Our two airlines have operated an enduring partnership for over a decade. This MoU is an important milestone and a key to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial cooperation,” observed Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways.
Collaboration
“The MoU builds upon our existing co-operation. It makes possible an agreement that would allow us to collaborate in real and practical ways as part of the continually flourishing relationship between China and the UAE,” remarked Li Yangmin, President, China Eastern Airlines Group.
“In a remarkable testament to strengthened collaboration, our partnership goes beyond operational enhancements, emphasizing the promotion of extensive people-to-people exchanges,” noted HE Hussain Al Hammadi, the UAE Ambassador to China, present on the occasion.
