Emirates And Etihad Expand Interline Agreement, Offering Better Itinerary Options

Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their interline agreement and provide more itinerary options for travellers visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This partnership aims to boost tourism to the UAE from key source markets by enabling visitors to explore more than one destination on a single itinerary.

Summer Travel Made Easier

This first-of-its-kind agreement between the two UAE carriers will allow customers to purchase a single ticket to fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi with a seamless return via the other airport, providing more convenience and flexibility.

This means travellers can enjoy multiple destinations on one trip and save time by removing the need to fly back to their arrival airport. The agreement also offers one-stop ticketing for travellers’ full journeys and convenient baggage check-in.

Inbound Interline Traffic from Select Points in Europe and China

The initial stage of this expanded interline agreement will focus on attracting visitors to the UAE by developing inbound interline traffic from select points in Europe and China.

The “open jaw” arrangement allows visitors to cover as much ground as possible when exploring Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any other emirate. This offers customers more travel options and a chance to discover more of the UAE’s cultural and natural attractions.

Joint Efforts to Promote UAE Tourism

The MoU was signed at Arabian Travel Market by Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, and Etihad Airways Chief Operating Officer, Mohammad Al Bulooki, in the presence of Emirates’ President, Sir Tim Clark, and Etihad CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, along with other senior representatives.

This expanded interline partnership draws upon the commitment of both airlines to support the UAE government’s objective to promote tourism to the UAE and enhance the country’s position as a preferred global destination.

Tourism as a Key Pillar of the UAE Economy

Tourism is one of the key pillars of the UAE economy, contributing to 5.4% of the nation’s total GDP, or AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion), and supporting over 1 million jobs by 2027. This partnership aims to promote the country as a tourist destination further and drive economic growth.

Collaboration Beyond Aviation Security

This is not the first time the two airlines have collaborated. In 2018, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed an MoU to strengthen aviation security, including the sharing of information and intelligence in operational areas both within and outside the UAE.

Last year, Emirates signed an MoU with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to boost tourist numbers to the UAE capital from key source markets across the airline’s global network.

Conclusion

The expanded interline agreement between Emirates and Etihad Airways is set to provide more itinerary options for travellers visiting the UAE, boosting the country’s tourism industry and contributing to its economic growth. The partnership demonstrates the commitment of both airlines to support the UAE government’s objectives and enhance the country’s position as a preferred global destination.