Etihad Signs Codeshare With Korean Air

Etihad Airways has signed a codeshare agreement with Korean Air, which starts July 22 subject to regulatory approval.

In the first phase, Korean Air will place its KE code on Etihad’s daily services between Seoul Incheon and Abu Dhabi.

Members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest and Korean Air’s SKYPASS loyalty programs will also enjoy full reciprocity, including lounge access, priority check-in and excess baggage allowances for top tier program members and the ability to earn and burn frequent flyer points on all Etihad and Korean Air flights.

It brings the number of codeshares operated by the Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier to 46.

Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said the new commercial partnership strengthens the existing partnership with Korean Air beyond the interline and special prorate agreements inked in August 2009 and creates a new environment for “closer commercial collaboration”. It also signals a closer partnership with the SkyTeam Alliance, in which Korean Air is a member along with Etihad’s European partners Air France and KLM.

He said codesharing on the Abu Dhabi-Seoul route will enable the airlines to leverage the strength of their respective brands and distribution channels for mutual commercial and customer benefit.

Travel between the UAE and Korea has grown since Etihad began flights to Seoul in late 2010 and bilatered trade totalled $20 billion in 2012.

“Korean investment in infrastructure and other projects in the UAE – valued at approximately US$29 billion since 2009 – has been a further catalyst for diplomatic, business and cultural exchange and a major contributor to the growth of travel between the two countries,” added Hogan. “We envision that closer collaboration with Korean Air will foster continued bilateral growth in these areas.”