Etihad Airways And Hong Kong Airlines Establish Codeshare Partnership And Loyalty Agreement

Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines have initiated a codeshare partnership, enhancing their reciprocal loyalty agreement. This collaboration was formalised during an event in Hong Kong, coinciding with Etihad's first flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong International Airport. The partnership aims to streamline travel between the Middle East and Asia, offering passengers more convenience and connectivity.

Travellers can now book flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi as Etihad 'EY' services. Additionally, Etihad passengers can reach Japanese destinations like Fukuoka, Hokkaido-Sapporo, Osaka, and Okinawa on Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights under the 'HX' code. This integration allows for a seamless travel experience with one ticket covering the entire journey, single check-in, and automatic baggage transfer.

The codeshare agreement positions Abu Dhabi as a key hub connecting Greater China and Japan to regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. This strategic move is expected to boost tourism and trade between these areas by providing greater travel options and ease of access for passengers.

Once the programme is fully operational, members of Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club and Etihad Guest will benefit from reciprocal earn-and-redeem functionalities across both airlines' networks. This initiative builds on Etihad's existing partnership with Hainan Airlines, allowing Fortune Wings Club members to earn and redeem points on Etihad’s new Hong Kong service.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, highlighted the value this partnership brings to Etihad Guest members. "This partnership delivers meaningful value to Etihad Guest members through full earn-and-redeem access across Hong Kong Airlines’ network, complemented by codeshare connectivity to high-demand Japanese destinations. It underscores our commitment to providing our loyal guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior rewards."

Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration's impact on their international market presence. "This partnership marks an important milestone in Hong Kong Airlines’ return to the international market. The expansion of our codeshare and the launch of a reciprocal loyalty programme not only benefit travellers from both airlines but also lay the foundation for deepened commercial collaboration."

Strengthening Trade and Tourism Links

The alliance with Etihad Airways has been strong since its inception in 2014. Louis Li noted that this enduring relationship will further enhance trade, tourism, and connectivity between Hong Kong and the Middle East. The partnership promises increased convenience and value for travellers while fostering deeper commercial ties.

This collaboration positions Etihad Guest as a leading non-alliance loyalty programme globally due to its extensive airline partner portfolio. By expanding its network through strategic partnerships like this one with Hong Kong Airlines, Etihad continues to offer its customers enhanced travel experiences worldwide.

With inputs from WAM