ASIM, jun 07
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and China Eastern Airlines, a leading global airline, are thrilled to announce the signing of a Joint Venture (JV) to solidify their strategic partnership. This groundbreaking agreement, signed at Etihad Airways’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi, marks the first commercial JV between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline. The JV will enable the two airlines to collaboratively develop and expand routes between the UAE and China, creating a stronger combined network and offering enhanced travel options and seamless experiences for passengers traveling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and the broader Middle East and Africa regions.
The joint venture cooperation will commence in early 2025, pending all necessary regulatory approvals, with full reciprocity between the airlines’ frequent flyer programs being introduced in the last quarter of 2024. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that it will provide travelers with greater options and value, while also fostering economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, highlighted the JV as a significant achievement that will strengthen UAE-China ties, boost cultural and economic connections, and attract more Chinese tourists to the UAE. China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing celebrated the JV as a milestone in the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, expressing eagerness to deepen cooperation and enhance the strategic partnership between the airlines, ultimately facilitating greater economic, trade, and cultural exchanges.
