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Agreement Between Etihad and Air Europa
Spanish airline Air Europa and Etihad Airways have signed a codeshare agreement which will augment the connections between Spain and the United Arab Emirates, as well as other international destinations.
The agreement, still subject to regulatory approvals, will launch direct service between Madrid and Abu Dhabi three times a week, beginning late 2014. Etihad’s A330 is
expected to fly directly to Madrid from Abu Dhabi for the first time.
Air Europa’s flight operations will have Etihad’s flight code, EY, on all its flights from Madrid to Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan, and even Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.
Conversely, Etihad will place Air Europa’s UX flight code in front of its flights from Amsterdam, Brussels, and Milan to Abu Dhabi.
Both airlines are hoping to expand their amount of codeshare destinations this summer, to more Spanish cities and to offer South American destinations via Madrid. The gulf carrier will extend Air Europa’s reaches to Africa, Asia, and Australia.
“The fact that Air Europa has chosen Abu Dhabi for the next wave of its international expansion, speaks volumes of what the emirate and our global hub have to offer…We have been keen to offer our customers direct access to the Spanish capital for a number of years, and doing this now in partnership with Air Europa makes perfect business sense. It is the right thing to do.” Says James Hogan, president of Etihad Airways.
He continues, “The new route will support the growing trade volumes between the UAE and Spain, up 75 per cent over the last three years, introduce more Spanish business and leisure travelers to the world class city that is Abu Dhabi, not to mention, make access to Abu Dhabi, Madrid and numerous destinations across our combined networks easier than ever.”
From Air Europa’s president, Juan Jose Hidalgo: “We have chosen Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways as the gateway to India, China, Australia and other destinations served in the Far East… As one of the most important operators to the American continent especially Central and South America via our hub in Madrid, for Air Europa the agreement between the two airlines is a step forward in a global market. Both airlines will provide an excellent link between America and Asia via Madrid and Abu Dhabi.”
