The UAE national airline Etihad Airways has signed a new codeshare agreement with Thailand’s Bangkok Airways as part of its global expansion plans and offer customers with greater access to destinations in Asia.

Under the deal, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on Bangkok Airways’ flights between the Thai capital city and the popular islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.

The announcement brings to 12 the number of codeshare agreements now operated by Etihad Airways.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: "Asia is an important market for Etihad and there is huge demand among our customers to travel beyond the Thai capital, which this new codeshare agreement now allows."

“We are expecting the new services to be extremely popular, particularly with leisure travellers looking for a luxury beach break on two of Asia’s most beautiful islands,” he added.

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways, said  Koh Samui and Phuket are regarded as the country's favorite destinations for visitors worldwide.

"To co-operate with Etihad, as one of the leading and fastest-growing airlines in the world, not only increases access for passengers who would love to explore the beauty of these famous destinations, but also help promote and accelerate tourism industry in Thailand. We strongly believe this new cooperation will be very successful,” he commented.

Since launching services to the Thai capital in April 2004, Bangkok has quickly established itself as one of Etihad’s most popular business and leisure travel destinations, with average seat factors last year exceeding 80 per cent.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline currently flies twice a day to the Thai capital.

Etihad has codeshare agreements with Aer Arann, Malaysia Airlines, Jet Airways, Yemen Airways, Saudi Arabia Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines and UK-based airline, bmi.-TradeArabia News Service