Etihad Airways Expands Strategic Alliances to Position Abu Dhabi as a Global Air Transport Hub
Etihad Airways, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has intensified its focus on international partnerships, forging agreements with leading airlines to expand access to the capital of the United Arab Emirates and offer travelers more options than ever before.
Currently, Etihad has over 40 codeshare partners, enabling its passengers to connect to more than 100 destinations within its own network and over 300 when including destinations operated by its partners. This structure makes Abu Dhabi one of the best-connected cities in the world.
High-Impact New Alliances
In recent months, Etihad has secured strategic partnerships with major players in the international aviation landscape. Notable among these are Ethiopian Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air Europa. Additionally, the airline has signed codeshare agreements with Air Seychelles, Akasa Air (India), TAP Air Portugal, and Sky Express (Greece). These deals not only enhance connectivity but also solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a key global hub for tourism and business.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, summarizes it this way: “Every alliance we forge strengthens connectivity, options, and the experience for our passengers, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a pivotal global destination.”
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The executive emphasized that these agreements are expanding access to critical markets such as China, North America, Africa, and Europe, with a direct impact on the growth of tourism in the region.
Cutting-Edge Loyalty Programs
Etihad is also leading in another area: its loyalty program. With partnerships spanning 25 airlines—the most among carriers not part of a major global alliance—its offering provides frequent travelers with greater value, flexibility, and convenience. Members can easily earn and redeem miles across hundreds of global destinations.
Abu Dhabi: An Expanding Global Platform
Etihad’s approach goes beyond transportation. The alliances it is developing reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for innovation, tourism, and international business. Each new partner not only expands route networks but also strengthens the city’s and the country’s global infrastructure.
With an ever-growing ecosystem of collaboration, Etihad reaffirms its commitment to shared growth, connectivity, and its vision of transforming Abu Dhabi into a global gateway for millions of passengers.
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