Kenya Airways has announced a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways.
Kenya Airways will launch a new thrice weekly service between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, from June. The new codeshare services go on sale on March 15, for travel from April 1 onwards.
Dr. Titus Naikuni, Managing Director and CEO, Kenya Airways, said: “This new codeshare agreement is a significant development for Kenya Airways that enables us to provide our passengers with convenient access to the capital of the UAE and onwards on the extensive Etihad Airways network.”
The agreement with Etihad brings the number of strategic codeshares that Kenya Airways has signed with other international carriers to 18. It paves way for greater collaboration between the two airlines on joint procurement of services for ground handling, line and heavy maintenance, training and cargo operations.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and CEO, said: “The partnership agreement with Kenya Airways is in line with our strategy of forming alliances with airlines around the world to enhance our network and marketing reach.
“Over the last five years we have more than doubled our services to Africa, reflecting the increasing importance of the continent. During the same period we have flown nearly three million passengers between Africa and the UAE, and key destinations across our network.”
The airlines are working on the integration of their frequent flyer programmes, Etihad Guest and Kenya Airway’s Flying Blue, to provide travellers with enhanced premium service benefits, enabling them to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights.
