Etihad and Qantas to cooperate with codeshare agreement

Initially the codeshare will see Etihad add its EY code on selected Qantas domestic routes which operate beyond the three gateways of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that Etihad currently serves.  Additionally Etihad will place its code on Qantas’ daily flights from Melbourne to Auckland in New Zealand.

While Qantas will place its QF code on all Etihad services between Australia and Abu Dhabi as well as connecting services to Amman, Bahrain and Beirut.

Etihad’s chief executive James Hogan said:  “Australia represents a key market for Etihad and one in which we are keen to grow further, both through the addition of new routes of our own, such as Melbourne, and through close cooperation with other well-established airlines such as Qantas.
 
“Qantas represents one of the most respected airlines in the world, and we see this codeshare agreement very much as the start of a deepening strategic relationship which both airlines are committed to developing further in the future,” he said.

John Borghetti Qantas’ executive general manager added: The new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways is a significant strategic development for Qantas.
 
“The United Arab Emirates and the broader Middle East are important markets for Australia in terms of both business links and tourism.
 
“For the first time, Qantas will be able to offer direct access to multiple points in the Middle East from Sydney, Melbourne and from Brisbane.”