Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM have signed a historic codeshare on flights across the airlines’ networks, the first phase of a much larger strategic partnership which starts on October 28.
The deal is due to be confirmed today (Monday) together with confirmation that Qatar Airways is to join the British Airways-based Oneworld alliance, according to the Financial Times.
Another code-share is due to be announced between Air Berlin, in which Etihad took a 29.2% stake in December, and Air France, furthering strengthening the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s European links.
Etihad has expanded its global network through equity stakes including a 10% holding in Virgin Australia, a 40% stake in Air Seychelles and almost 3% in Aer Lingus.
A tie-up with Air France-KLM would be the airline’s 40th code share agreement.
The speculation came as Etihad Airways yesterday reported third quarter revenues of $1.3 billion, up 19% on the same period last year.
The record revenues reflected passenger numbers up by 23%, to 2.79 million in the quarter.
Etihad and Air France-KLM declined to comment on either code share agreement, the Financial Times reported.