ONE of the three major Gulf carriers Etihad Airways is forgoing membership in major aviation alliances and creating Etihad Airways Partners, which the carrier says “goes beyond pure commercial cooperation”.
For the most part, Etihad Airways Partners will function like a traditional alliance.
James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said in a press statement: “We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other.”
But the same statement reassured the trade that Etihad’s new set-up differs from legacy airline alliances by “offering benefits well beyond pure commercial cooperation”.
Hogan pointed to the partnership as a chance to maximise flight connectivity, streamline the “complexity and confusion” existing within global alliances, and provide a “consistent framework for earning and using (accumulated) miles”.
This includes standardised mileage and tier benefits across all partners, no blackout periods and priority services.
Etihad Airways Partners’ initial members include Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways, Darwin Airline and Etihad Airways.
However, any airline can join Etihad Airways Partners despite membership in other alliances. Airberlin is a Oneworld member.
