Air France-KLM and Etihad Expand Partnership Across Passenger Operations, Loyalty Programs

Photo source: Etihad Airways.

The Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their partnership across passenger operations, loyalty programs, talent development and maintenance.

The MoU was signed in Paris, France, by Chief Commercial Officer of Air France-KLM Angus Clarke and Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways Arik De.

As part of the expanded partnership, Air France-KLM and Etihad will:

– expand their codeshare and interline agreements, initiated originally in 2012, which will make it easier for passengers to travel between the two airlines’ networks
– allow frequent flyers of both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with each other’s airlines
– explore opportunities for terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access, and ground handling
– develop joint training programs for employees.

The expanded partnership is currently subject to regulatory approvals but as a first step, more than 40 new routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking already, for travel as early as the winter 2023 season.

“This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world,” said Clarke during the MoU signing ceremony.

In addition, De pointed out that the “MoU will offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leverage the extensive AF-KL network to Europe and beyond.”

Etihad currently operates daily flights to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi international airport.

Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from October 29, 2023.

Earlier this year, Air France-KLM announced it had signed a MoU with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism with the aim of reinforcing connectivity between Europe and Abu Dhabi.