Etihad, Hainan commence codeshare flights

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has commenced codeshare flights with Hainan Airlines of China. The landmark agreement is the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first ever codeshare with a Chinese carrier.   Hainan Airlines now places its ‘HU’ code on Etihad Airways-operated flights between Abu Dhabi and the airline’s three gateway cities in China: Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. The agreement also extends to Etihad Airways flights to Khartoum International Airport in Sudan. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan said the codeshare with Hainan Airlines was a key plank in the airline’s Chinese market strategy. “The agreement with Hainan Airlines expands our network reach into China and gives us immediate access to the millions of potential Chinese travellers to the Middle East and beyond to Africa. It also provides a firm foundation for growing the Etihad Airways brand in the Chinese market,” Hogan added. “We will continue to explore opportunities for collaboration with Hainan Airlines and in particular, to include more destinations on each other’s networks over time.” The President of Hainan Airlines Tie Li said: “The codeshare cooperation with Etihad Airways will reinforce Hainan Airlines’ development in the Middle East and Africa region. We have great expectations of the partnership, and believe that through mutual creativity, we will be able to bring synergy and hopefully value to our customers.” The reciprocal agreement integrates the Etihad Guest and Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club loyalty programmes, enabling travellers to earn miles on each other’s flights. Etihad Airways has also commenced scheduled flights between its hub in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, China. The airline will initially operate five weekly Airbus A330-300 services to Shanghai’s main international airport - Pudong (PVG) - with commitments to a daily schedule from April 15. James Hogan, said the new route had special significance as the first non-stop commercial passenger flight between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. “The new Shanghai route adds much more than just another destination to the Etihad Airways global network. It brings the capital of the UAE and the commercial and financial centre of mainland China closer together and creates new opportunities for government, trade, tourism and cultural exchange.” Baggage allowances Etihad Airways has increased baggage allowances for all Pearl Business class and Diamond First class guests by ten kilograms. Guests travelling in Pearl Business class will now have an allowance of 40kg, and guests in Diamond First class will have an allowance of 50kg. Members of the Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme travelling in the Diamond First class or Pearl Business class cabins will be able to enjoy additional baggage allowances.