UAE national airline Etihad Airways today (July 7) signed an agreement with leading African carrier Fastjet Zimbabwe to boost its interline, codeshare and frequent flyer partnership.

The collaboration deal, inked in capital Harare, is aimed at boosting connectivity by giving its customers access to destinations currently flown by both airlines, on a single ticketing system, said Etihad in a statement. 

Under the partnership, guests travelling on Etihad can connect onward on Fastjet Zimbabwe to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and to Johannesburg, combining both airlines on a single ticket. Travel under the partnership is available from August 24.

With this deal, Fastjet Zimbabwe will become Etihad Guest’s 32nd airline partner, with guests in the future enjoying frequent flyer benefits across both airlines, said the Emirati carrier.

The partnership builds on Etihad's upcoming direct service between Abu Dhabi and Harare, launching on March 24, 2027, extending the airline's reach beyond the Zimbabwean capital to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and giving guests across Etihad's network a simple way to reach them, it stated.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, said: “Africa is an important part of Etihad's growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests. From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation.”

For Fastjet Zimbabwe, the partnership also opens the door to Abu Dhabi and Etihad's wider global network. 

Those making a stay in the UAE capital will find a city that rewards slowing down, from the Corniche and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat to the quiet of the desert beyond the city, with up to two complimentary hotel nights through the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, stated the Emirati carrier.

Donahue Cortes, Fastjet Zimbabwe Business CEO & Country Head, said, “This marks the beginning of what we believe will be a significant partnership. We are delighted to be working alongside Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, exploring opportunities to improve connectivity, broaden travel options for our customers and further strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with key international markets.”

Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Chief Commercial Officer, Fastjet Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This partnership opens up the world for our customers in Zimbabwe. From Harare, travellers can now connect onto Etihad's global network and reach Abu Dhabi and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond, all on a single ticket."

"We are proud to give the people of Zimbabwe easier access to so many more places,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service