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19-Dec-2012 1:23 PM

airberlin-Etihad alliance delivers more than 300,000 pax and EUR100m in revenues in first year

airberlin stated (18-Dec-2012) the year-old alliance between airberlin and Etihad Airways has allowed the carriers to deliver more than 300,000 passengers onto each other's networks and collectively generate more than EUR100 million in additional revenues, far outstripping the initial estimates. During the past 12 months the partners have also begun implementing a detailed procurement strategy which has already had an impact on international fuel purchasing, ground handling and ground services that will bring multi-million dollar savings for both airlines. Highlights during this period include:

  • Combined generated revenues of EUR100 million;
  • Delivered combined total of more than 300,000 passengers onto each other's networks;
  • A combined flight network of more than 239 destinations worldwide;
  • Multi-million dollar savings identified across wide range of business areas.

airberlin CEO Hartmut Mehdorn said: "With more than 219,000 additional guests for airberlin coming from our co-operation we have generated additional revenues around €50m. Furthermore, we profited from cost saving initiatives. Within a year, our codeshare offering has jumped to 87 connections. Currently, airberlin and Etihad Airways offer 239 joint destinations in 77 countries. We are continuously expanding this range, currently with new destinations in Asia such as Tokyo and Beijing which Etihad Airways flies to via its home airport Abu Dhabi." Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said: "A year ago, almost to the day, we announced that we would lift our stake in airberlin to 29 per cent. During this first 12 months both airlines' teams have worked tirelessly. Through revenues generated, and cost saving initiatives, Etihad Airways has already recouped its initial investment of US$ 105m. More than 300,000 additional passengers have flowed into the networks of both airlines in 2012 and that figure is set to increase considerably in 2013 as the impact of closer cooperation across almost every division of each carrier comes to fruition. The partnership expanded our network reach and it has provided us with further opportunity for global growth. There is still a long way to go as the partnership develops but these results show we're on the right path."

airberlin and Etihad Airways announced earlier in the year the airlines would integrate their Boeing 787 programmes. The move, which involves 56 aircraft, will save millions of dollars for both carriers which together represent the largest single order for the 787. Within the programme the two airlines will share infrastructure, pool maintenance, develop joint training programmes, and streamline purchasing activity for engines, rotables, avionics and IFE systems, as well as work jointly on product development for the new aircraft type. Etihad Airways will also offer airberlin a range of benefits from its USD1 billion deal with Sabre Airline Solutions. As part of the Sabre agreement, Etihad Airways will implement integrated software across its reservations, inventory, marketing, planning, eCommerce, distribution, and departure control operations. [more - original PR]

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