THE TIES THAT BIND

Strategic partners Etihad Airways and Air France have introduced a number of new codeshare destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe for summer 2013. The expansion of codeshare services follows last October’s strategic agreement between the respective national carriers to foster closer commercial ties, build an expanded global network, and deliver unrivalled travel options for customers. Now placing its EY flight code on Air France flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Oslo and Stockholm, Etihad expects to build on the existing joint codeshare routes from Paris-CDG to Bordeaux, Copenhagen, Madrid, Nice and Toulouse. Subject to further regulatory approvals, Etihad Airways expects to be able to place its EY code soon on Air France flights between Paris-CDG, Lisbon and Marseilles. The UAE flag carrier flies twice daily between Abu Dhabi and Paris. Air France is placing its AF code on Etihad Airways’ daily flights from Abu Dhabi to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and to two cities in Australia – Melbourne and Sydney. The French carrier expects to be able to place its AF code shortly on Etihad services between Singapore and Brisbane (Australia). Furthermore and subject to regulatory approvals, Air France foresees placing its AF code on routes between Abu Dhabi and Kathmandu (Nepal). The airline already places its AF code on Etihad Airways’ operated flights between Paris-CDG and Abu Dhabi, and onwards to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Mahé (Seychelles) and Male (Maldives). (http://corporate.airfrance.com , www.etihad.com)