Interline Expansion Just Announced by Emirates and Etihad

Emirates Airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Airways to expand their Interline Agreement and offer travellers more itinerary options for UAE visits.

The two UAE carriers have signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to help boost tourism from the UAE's key source markets. This will allow visitors to visit more than one destination on a single itinerary.

Customers of both airlines will be able to purchase a single flight ticket for either Dubai or Abu Dhabi and return to the other airport seamlessly. This new agreement allows travellers who plan to travel around the UAE to purchase a single ticket for the entire journey and check in their luggage conveniently.

In the first phase of the expanded interline, each carrier will concentrate on attracting tourists to the UAE through the development of inbound interline from selected points in Europe or China. This 'open-jaw' arrangement allows visitors to explore Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any other emirate as far as they can, while saving time because there is no need to return via the airport of their arrival. The'multi-city flight' option is also available to customers travelling to the UAE. This allows them to choose between two cities on the networks of both airlines, then return to a point that either Emirates or Etihad serves.

Adnan Kazim and Mohammad Al Bulooki signed the MoU at Arabian Travel Market in the presence Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline and Antonoaldo Neves CEO of Etihad Airways.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, said: "We are pleased to be working again with Etihad Airways - this time to allow each carrier to offer a new range of seamless travel options in and out of the UAE. Emirates and Etihad are leveraging on our strengths to expand our respective customer offerings and boost UAE tourism. We believe this new agreement provides a strong foundation to develop further opportunities between both airlines and is an example of our commitment to the UAE's vision for continued economic diversification."

Antonoaldo Neves said, "We're delighted to partner with Emirates in our shared mission to support inbound tourism to the UAE and facilitate travel to our vibrant cities. With two world-class airlines supporting UAE tourism, our interline agreement will make it more convenient for our guests to experience the best of Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one single ticket while promising to deliver an exceptional flying experience whether they fly with Etihad Airways or Emirates. It's a win-win proposition for travellers to the UAE."

The expanded interline agreement is based on the commitments of both airlines in supporting the UAE government’s goal to promote tourism and to enhance the UAE’s position as a global destination. Tourism is a key component of the UAE economy and is expected by 2027 to support over 1 million jobs, contributing 5.4% to the nation's GDP or AED 116.1 Billion (USD 31.66 Billion).

It is the second announcement of a collaboration between the two airlines. In 2018, Etihad Aviation Group and Emirates Group Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance aviation security. This included the sharing of intelligence and information in operational areas within and outside of the UAE. In 2018, Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to increase tourist numbers in the UAE capital.

Online travel agencies, travel agents, and www.emirates.com can all be used to book tickets.

Source: breakintravelnews.com