Etihad Airways Teams Up with China Eastern Airlines to Expand UAE-China Travel Routes

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has joined forces with China Eastern Airlines, a prominent player in China's aviation industry, to expand travel routes connecting the UAE with major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Kunming. This strategic partnership, sealed with a Joint Venture (JV) agreement signed at Etihad Airways' headquarters in Abu Dhabi, marks a groundbreaking collaboration between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese counterpart.

The Etihad Airways-China Eastern Airlines JV aims to bolster and diversify travel options between the UAE and China, enhancing connectivity and facilitating seamless journeys for passengers traveling between key cities in both regions. By pooling their resources and expertise, the airlines envision a strengthened combined network that caters to the growing demand for air travel between these two dynamic regions.

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Plans for the implementation of the joint venture cooperation are set for early 2025, pending regulatory approvals from relevant authorities. Concurrently, both carriers will introduce reciprocal benefits to their frequent flyer programs by the final quarter of 2024, enabling passengers to accrue points and redeem rewards across their respective networks.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, emphasized the significance of the partnership in fostering deeper ties between the UAE and China, promoting cultural exchange, and driving economic growth. He expressed enthusiasm for welcoming more Chinese travelers to experience the diverse cultural offerings and attractions of the UAE.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, hailed the JV as a transformative milestone in the airline's collaboration with China Eastern, poised to unlock new opportunities and deliver unparalleled value to travelers. He underscored the potential of the partnership to stimulate economic prosperity in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, highlighted the historic significance of the collaboration, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. He emphasized the alignment of strategic objectives between the two countries, particularly within the Belt and Road Initiative framework, and expressed optimism for the partnership to foster deeper cooperation across various sectors.

Both airlines possess robust global hub networks, offering synergistic advantages that extend beyond passenger travel to encompass economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between China and the UAE. The collaboration between Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines is poised to shape the future of air travel between the two nations, setting the stage for enhanced connectivity and mutually beneficial partnerships in the years to come.

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