Etihad, Aer Lingus unveil codeshare details

Etihad Airways and Aer Lingus have signed a codeshare agreement which follows the UAE national airline’s recent 2.987 per cent equity purchase in the Irish carrier. Within the agreement Etihad Airways will place its “EY” code on Aer Lingus flights between Dublin, Manchester and London Heathrow, and destinations in Ireland, the British Isles, the Channel Islands, Portugal, the Netherlands and the US. In return, Aer Lingus will place its “EI” code on Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and Dublin, and have full access to flights across the network beyond Abu Dhabi, to points including Australia, Asia-Pacific, the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The codeshare agreement is an early indication of the success of Etihad Airways’ strategic plan to acquire equity in Aer Lingus and other airlines and the instant benefit it brings to both airlines’ customers around the world.” Christoph Mueller, Aer Lingus’ Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement supports Aer Lingus’ strategy to provide greater access and choice to our customers. We are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways on board as a codeshare partner.” The new Etihad Airways codeshare flights will be on sale today for travel from 15 September. Some of the routes are still subject to regulatory approvals.