China Eastern Airlines and Etihad Airways have signed an agreement designed to strengthen their existing partnership, which is expected to pave the way for the Chinese carrier to launch its first flights to Abu Dhabi.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will see the airliners work to implement “a broad collaboration,” including expanding the number of codeshare routes available and offering reciprocal loyalty programs. Additionally, the two will cooperate around MRO opportunities, ground handling, catering, lounge access, staff training and several sustainability initiatives.

It is hoped the agreement will facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi from its Shanghai hub through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other key stakeholders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital.

Etihad and China Eastern say the combination of their services, which would coincide with the newly opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), will create “a robust platform” for China-UAE air traffic and enable connections between China, the Middle East and Africa.

“Our two airlines have operated an enduring partnership for over a decade,” Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves says. “This MOU is an important milestone and a key to establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Etihad serves three destinations in mainland China at present, flying daily from AUH to both Beijing Daxing International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), as well as serving Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport three times per week.

Meanwhile, China Eastern operates four routes to the UAE, each of which are to Dubai International Airport. Data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser shows the SkyTeam alliance member flies daily from PVG and 3X-weekly from Kunming, Qingdao and Xi’an.

Etihad’s partnership with China Eastern comes days after the Gulf airline announced an interline agreement with Maldives-based carrier Maldivian. The move will open up 17 destinations in the Maldives for Etihad, such as Faresmathoda and Funadhoo.