Etihad concludes 15th codeshare agreement

Etihad Airways customers in South Africa will soon be able to fly to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, via Abu Dhabi, following the signing of a new codeshare agreement between the airline and national carrier, Ukraine International Airlines.

Under the deal the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on Ukraine International Airlines’ flights from Kiev to the UAE’s capital city, commencing on 26 September.

The aim of the agreement is to provide a seamless flight experience for Ukrainian communities living in key Etihad destinations, such as Sydney, Johannesburg, Beijing and cities across the Middle East.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Etihad Airways codeshare strategy continues to develop and we are delighted to announce our fifteenth codeshare deal.

“This latest agreement, with Ukraine International Airlines, will help to link Ukrainian expatriate communities around the world, as well as build business links between the Ukraine and the UAE.

Yuri Miroshnikov, Ukraine International Airlines’ president, said: “Ukraine International is very pleased to commence code share services with Etihad Airways. This will not only strengthen links between Ukraine and the UAE but also open up a range of new destinations for Ukrainians over the Abu Dhabi gateway.”

Flight EY601 will depart Johannesburg at 1335 on Monday and Friday, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 2355. The connecting flight to Kiev, flight EY7176 departs two hours later at 0155 and arrives in the Ukraine capital at 0645. The return flight EY7175 departs Kiev at 1420 on Monday and Friday, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 2030. The connecting flight to Johannesburg, EY602 departs at 2220, with an early morning arrival in Johannesburg at 0455 the following day.

To celebrate the launch of the new code-share service, Etihad has launched promotional fares from Johannesburg to Kiev, starting at R5,990 in Coral Economy Class and R24,235 in Peal Business Class. Fares are inclusive of all taxes and surcharges.

Etihad currently has 14 other codeshare agreements with Aer Arran, Bangkok Airways, Brussels Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kuwait Airways, Yemen Airways, Saudi Arabia Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Qantas and UK-based airline, bmi.