ANA and Etihad Airways to Start Code-sharing
14-Dec-2009 ANA has today applied to the Japanese government for regulatory approval to enter into a new code-share agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (hereinafter referred to as “Etihad”), starting from March 1, 2010.
The increase in cooperation between the two airlines aims to provide greater travel options and convenience for passengers traveling between Japan and UAE.
Under the deal, ANA will place its two-letter 'NH' code on the four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Nagoya due to be operated by Etihad Airways from February 1, 2010. In turn, Etihad will place its 'EY' code on ANA operated flight between Nagoya and both Sapporo and Fukuoka.
The code-share agreement will be extended from March 28, 2010 to cover domestic services operated by ANA between Narita and Osaka Itami. This has been timed to coincide with the launch by Etihad of its second new Japanese service between Abu Dhabi and Narita, the first direct service connecting the capital cities of both countries. At this time ANA will place its two-letter 'NH' code on the Abu Dhabi Narita services.
The increased cooperation between the two airlines will also extend to their respective frequent flyer programs (FFP). From March 1, 2010, members of both ANA Mileage Club and the Etihad Guest program will be able to accrue and redeem miles on flights on each other's networks.
Etihad's home base of Abu Dhabi possesses rich energy resources and is already developing strong links with Japan in the fields of energy and the environment. The Emirate is also an increasingly important centre for culture and sport, with new museums such as the Louvre and Guggenheim set to open in the next few years and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix now a fixture in the annual Grand Prix race calendar. Less than one hour away from Dubai, and with easy access to the rest of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is also ideally located. With its diversified economy and favorable geographic location, significant expansion in tourism and business within Abu Dhabi is expected in the coming years.