Etihad Signs Hainan Airlines Codeshare

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a codeshare agreement with Hainan Airlines of China. It is the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first codeshare with a Chinese carrier and its 35th with airlines across the world. The agreement will further strengthen the airline’s presence in the emerging Chinese market.

Subject to regulatory approvals, Hainan Airlines will place its ‘HU’ code on Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. The arrangement will extend to Etihad Airways’ flights beyond Abu Dhabi to Khartoum International Airport in Sudan. The codeshare is expected to come into force from January 10, 2012 although the agreement on the Shanghai route will not go live until March 1, 2012.

“Working with a major player like Hainan Airlines will increase Chinese passenger numbers on our China - Abu Dhabi services and beyond to popular destinations in Africa, Middle East and Europe,” said James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “We look forward to expanding the relationship to include more destinations over time.”

“The codeshare cooperation with Etihad Airways will reinforce Hainan Airlines’ development in the Middle East and Africa region. We have great expectations of the partnership, and believe that through mutual creativity, we will be able to bring synergy and hopefully value to our customers,” added Tie Li, President, Hainan Airlines.