Etihad Airways signs New Codeshare Agreement with Middle East Airlines

Etihad Airways is expanding its global network through the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Beirut-based carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA).

The deal, which comes into effect on 14 January 2008, gives air travellers a choice of 14 weekly services between the Lebanese and United Arab Emirates capitals to supplement Etihad’s nine weekly flights with the five currently flown by MEA. Seat bookings will be available from the end of November.

The new increase in flights created as a result of the new codeshare agreement will boost by more than a quarter the number of onward connections available to Etihad customers flying between Beirut and the Abu Dhabi.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said, “This agreement will be warmly welcomed within the local market, increasing substantially as it does the choice of travel options available between Beirut and Abu Dhabi.

“Importantly, it also gives Lebanese air travellers much greater access to Etihad’s impressive product and its growing global network.”

The new deal with Middle East Airlines will give Etihad customers access to a range of new destinations beyond Beirut not currently served by Etihad, including Athens, Larnaca and Istanbul.

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