Etihad Creates New Airline Alliance with Etihad Airways Partners

The rapidly growing Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad Airways, has launched a new brand which brings together its partner airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

Initially, six airlines will participate in Etihad Airways Partner - airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, India’s Jet Airways, Darwin Airline, and Etihad Airways.

“We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “The Etihad Airways Partners logo is a seal of excellence and global cooperation. It will be displayed on aircraft and on branded materials by a group of airlines working together to connect travellers around the world, and increasingly to harmonise standards in the air and on the ground.”

Mr Hogan said Etihad Airways Partners differed from legacy airline alliances by offering benefits well beyond pure commercial cooperation.

“The potential for network alignment to maximise flight connectivity for passengers, together with a shared passion for superior service, are central to the ethos of the Etihad Airways Partner concept,” he said. “Frequent flyers will benefit from the formation of Etihad Airways Partners as it will remove the complexity and confusion that exists within the global alliances. We’re aiming to deliver a consistent experience for frequent flyers when they travel, as well as a consistent framework for earning and using their miles.”

This consistent experience will include standardised mileage and tier benefits across all partners, no blackout periods and priority services.

Etihad Airways Partners will also have access to economies of scale and operational synergies such as centres of excellence, shared sales teams in certain destinations, joint procurement of services and supplies, and shared pilot and cabin crew training at the Etihad Airways facilities in Abu Dhabi.

Is Etihad Airways Partner an airline alliance like oneworld or Star Alliance?

An Etihad Airways spokesperson, said, “It would be wrong to describe Etihad Airways Partners as similar to the traditional alliances. We are a grouping of like-minded airlines working together to improve our competitive offer against those alliances and the major legacy carriers. However, the depth of our relationships allow us to go further than the long-established global alliances, from greater network alignment which maximises flight connectivity to shared centres of excellence in cabin interior design, catering, IFE and customer service.”