Etihad, China Eastern Fortify Operational Bonds

December 19, 2023

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….reports Asian Lite News

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines signalled their intent to strengthen their partnership by signing a 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.

The MoU should facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other key stakeholders in the UAE capital.

Etihad Airways. (Photo: twitter@etihad)

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.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasised the significance of the partnership. He said: “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. I am highly encouraged by the momentum of our cooperation, and I look forward to seeing further success.

“It also marks a significant development of the direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and underscores the confidence of one of the most influential Chinese carriers in Etihad. The MoU paves the way for an agreement that will boost Abu Dhabi’s economic development, as well as supporting China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative.’”

Li Yangmin, President of China Eastern Airlines Group, said: “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.

“The connection between China Eastern’s Shanghai hub and Etihad’s network through Abu Dhabi will significantly enhance our footprint in the Middle East and Africa. It supports our commitment to the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the ‘Aerial Silk Road,’ stimulating economic, trade and cultural exchanges between China and partner countries.”

His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, the UAE Ambassador to China added: “In a remarkable testament to strengthened collaboration, our partnership goes beyond operational enhancements, emphasizing the promotion of extensive people-to-people exchanges.

“We eagerly anticipate welcoming a surge of Chinese tourists to the UAE, inviting them to immerse themselves in our nation’s unique culture. As we approach the forthcoming 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China, we express our sincere hopes for an even deeper relationship across diplomacy, trade, culture, and various other spheres.”

ALSO READ: India Set for 45% Emissions Cut by 2030

Previous Story

MediaTek, Nvidia Join Hands

Next Story

Witnesses against Lai mistreated to drive out confessions

Latest from Arab News

Xi Woos Arab World

For Egypt, the summit carries special significance. Egypt’s accession as an SCO dialogue partner marks a strategic step toward forging more balanced,

More Killings in Gaza

Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported that Israel will stop the airdrop operation of humanitarian aid over Gaza City in the coming

EU at Odds Over Gaza

EU foreign ministers in Denmark weighed suspending funding to Israeli start-ups, but the plan lacked majority backing, highlighting the bloc’s struggle for

Trump Blocks Abbas

The U.S. State Department disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had rescinded the visas of Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials…reports

Israel Nails Houthi PM

Al-Rahawi was killed on Thursday alongside several ministers during a meeting in southern Sanaa…reports Asian Lite News The Houthis announced on Saturday

Don't Miss