Egyptair, the state-owned flag carrier of Egypt and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their commercial and operational partnership. The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approvals, aims to provide travellers with more choices, improved services, and greater value. The enhanced partnership will build upon the existing codeshare agreement, which allows passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines using a single ticket and check their baggage through to their final destination. The MoU will extend the codeshare, giving Egyptair travellers access to more destinations on Etihad's network, including several in Asia and Australia. In turn, Etihad customers will gain access to additional destinations on the Egyptair network. "This agreement will help further deepen our codeshare with Egyptair, opening up seamless travel for guests of both airlines across our networks," said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. "It also lays the tracks for cooperation across both our frequent flyer programs and will enable us to explore collaboration on joint-marketing campaigns and promotions designed to stimulate and reward our customers." Yehia Zakaria, Chairperson and CEO of Egyptair, said: "This MoU strengthens our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, and underscores our commitment to providing our valued customers with a seamless travel experience and access to a wider network." The partnership aims to provide passengers with a range of benefits, including: * Increased connectivity between Egypt and the UAE, as well as beyond Cairo into Africa and beyond Abu Dhabi into Asia. * The ability to book a single ticket for travel on both airlines, with seamless baggage check-through to the final destination. * Access to a wider range of destinations through the extended codeshare agreement. * Potential for collaboration on frequent flyer programs and joint-marketing campaigns.
