Etihad Airways, TAP Air Portugal Ink New ‘Strategic’ Codeshare

Etihad Airways is continuing its post-pandemic expansion strategy with the announcement this week of a codeshare agreement with TAP Air Portugal. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer said in a press release: “This collaboration provides our guests with convenient one-stop access to 26 of TAP’s fantastic leisure and business destinations.” These destinations encompass major North and South American, European and African cities in TAP’s network including Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Seville, and Marrakech.

TAP’s Chief Revenue Officer, Mario Cruz, said: “The codeshare agreement between TAP Air Portugal and Etihad adds diversity and quality to the travelling experience that both companies offer their customers. The destination networks of the two airlines complement each other through this agreement, which is part of TAP’s growth and expansion strategy. We are very pleased to have reached this partnership with Etihad.”

As a national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Etihad Airways commenced a service earlier this year from the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Passengers from both airlines will also be able to connect to Etihad and TAP’s networks via London Heathrow and Frankfurt airports.

De noted that the ‘strategic codeshare’ “expands the choices available to TAP customers traveling from Europe to Abu Dhabi, offering them the opportunity to explore the inviting hospitality and rich culture of our home, and seamlessly connect to a selection of our destinations in the GCC (The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf) and Seychelles.” In addition to the UAE, the GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

De added: “Widening our network reach, allowing more guests to visit Abu Dhabi, is an important part of our strategic growth. It allows us to further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic development, extending a warm welcome to more guests and offering them heightened travel privileges and unforgettable experiences.”

New Frequent Flyer Programs

This week’s announcement follows Etihad’s confirmation last week of a new partnership between its frequent flyer program Etihad Guest and Flying Blue, Air France and KLM’s loyalty program. The ability for passengers to earn and redeem miles between the three airlines followed a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the airlines in September. According to both companies, Etihad Guest has over nine million members and Flying Blue has over 20 million.

For Etihad customers, the partnership will give access to over 60 new routes and for Flying Blue members access to Etihad’s Southeast Asian and Australian network. This network expanded further this week with Etihad announcing the commencement of a four-time weekly service to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali scheduled to take off from April 23, 2024.

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John Flett

John has always had a passion for aviation and through a career with Air New Zealand has gained a strong understanding of aviation operations and the strategic nature of the industry.

During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team that created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, balancing a mix of corporate and social content.

John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a Masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. He has been the course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university and a member of Heathrow Community Trust’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.

John is currently living in Canada and is contracted as an external instructor for aviation-related organizations.

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