Etihad signs agreement with Kenya Airways

DUBAI: Etihad Airways has entered into a code sharing agreement with Kenya's national flag carrier Kenya Airways to expand its reach across Africa.

Etihad Airways will place its EY code on Kenya Airways flights from Nairobi to 27 destinations across Kenya Airways' network in Africa, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said yesterday.

As part of the reciprocal codeshare agreement, Kenya Airways will place its KQ code on Etihad Airways' daily service from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi and, subject to government approval, onwards to up to 32 key destinations across Etihad's global network.

Kenya Airways will also launch a new three times a week service between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi from mid-summer 2013. This will give passengers improved connections and greater choice.

"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 Airways President and CEO.