Etihad Airways and the Spanish carrier Air Europa have signed a codeshare agreement designed to improve connectivity between Spain, the United Arab Emirates and destinations worldwide. The partnership, subject to regulatory approval, will introduce direct access between Madrid (MAD) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) and expand onward connections from major European cities to Spanish destinations.
As part of the agreement, Air Europa will start non-stop flights between Madrid and Abu Dhabi in late 2014. The route will be operated three times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft. Etihad will place its EY code on these services, offering travelers access to Madrid through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub for the first time.
Etihad will also add its EY code to Air Europa-operated flights into Madrid from Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU) and Milan Malpensa (MXP), as well as on onward sectors from Madrid to Barcelona (BCN) and Palma de Mallorca (PMI). In return, Air Europa will add its UX code to Etihad services between Amsterdam, Brussels and Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi, enabling seamless ticketing and connections for passengers on both networks.
Both airlines intend to broaden the codeshare scope in the summer of 2014. Planned expansions include additional Spanish cities, expanded links into South America via Madrid, and extended connections beyond Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Gulf region, Africa, Asia and Australia. The arrangement aims to deliver greater schedule options, improved transfer convenience and easier access to a wider range of destinations for travelers flying with either carrier.
This collaboration leverages each airline’s strengths: Air Europa’s established Spanish and Latin American network and Etihad’s extensive hub connections via Abu Dhabi. Customers can expect integrated booking options and smoother connections, backed by coordinated schedules and codeshare availability across the combined networks.
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James Hogan, President and CEO, Etihad Airways