Kenya Airways seals Etihad partnership
Kenya Airways has signed a major new commercial partnership agreement with Etihad Airways that will result in a range of codesharing agreements.
Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on Kenya Airways’ flights from Nairobi to 27 destinations in Africa, while Kenya Airways will place its ‘KQ’ code on Etihad’s daily service from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi, and up to 32 key destinations onwards from Abu Dhabi, including Asia.
Kenya Airways will also launch a new service between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi from mid-summer 2013, offering three weekly flights.
“The partnership agreement with Kenya Airways is in line with our strategy of forming alliances with airlines around the world to enhance our network and marketing reach. This agreement will also allow both airlines to benefit from cost savings achieved through synergies and economies of scale,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s President & CEO.
Kenya Airways’ Managing Director & CEO, Dr Titus Naikuni, added; “The new codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways is a significant strengthening of the global network of both airlines, which provides more choice to all our passengers. As part of the agreement we are looking for greater collaboration and coordination on cargo operations, training and procurement opportunities which will make us more cost efficient and customer responsive.”
Etihad’s daily service from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi is operated by a two-class A320 aircraft.