Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines Announce Landmark Joint Venture
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have announced a groundbreaking joint venture (JV), marking the first commercial partnership between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline. The agreement was signed in a ceremony at Etihad’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
This JV aims to enhance the routes between the UAE and China, creating a stronger combined network. The collaboration will expand travel options and offer seamless experiences for passengers traveling between major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE, the Middle East, and Africa. The JV will be implemented in early 2025 after securing necessary regulatory clearances. Additionally, the airlines will introduce full reciprocity to their frequent flyer programs by the final quarter of 2024, allowing passengers to earn points and redeem rewards with either airline.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing the enhanced travel options and exceptional value the JV will offer. He expressed confidence that the JV would unlock new travel opportunities and boost economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, praised the agreement as a landmark achievement, signifying a deep commitment to strengthening bonds between the UAE and China. He noted that the partnership would foster deeper cultural and economic ties and attract more Chinese tourists to explore the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant experiences.
China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing celebrated the JV as a new level of collaboration, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. He highlighted the strategic collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative and expressed eagerness to expand cooperation in various business areas. Chairman Wang emphasized that the partnership would create synergies, facilitating passenger travel and enhancing economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between China and the UAE.
The joint venture between Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines represents a significant milestone, promising expanded travel options and fostering long-lasting connections between the UAE and China.
