American Airlines and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, have announced a new codeshare agreement which will pave the way for closer commercial cooperation between the two airlines

The deal is subject to government approval, a statement said.

The codeshare agreement will further extend each partner airlines' global network and offer customers a smoother, more convenient travel experience when travelling between the United States and the UAE.

Under the new arrangement, American Airlines will place its 'AA' code on services operated by Etihad Airways between New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Paris (CDG), Dublin, Frankfurt, Manchester and Milan (MXP) to and from Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways will place its 'EY' code on a number of trans-Atlantic services operated by American between the United States and Europe, plus flights between New York (JFK) and Washington (DCA), Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as flights between Chicago (ORD) and Washington (DCA), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston (IAH).

"We're very pleased to be working with Etihad, which, in a relatively short period of time, has established itself as one of the world's leading airlines and a major force in the Middle East," said Gerard Arpey, American's Chairman and CEO. "Our new codeshare agreement will give customers of American and Etihad increased choice, convenience and flexibility in their travel between North and South America, the Middle East and beyond."

"The United States represents a key market for Etihad and one in which we are keen to grow further, both through the addition of new routes of our own, such as Chicago, and through close cooperation with other well-established airlines, such as American Airlines," said Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan. "American Airlines is one of the world's largest and most-respected airlines, and we see this codeshare agreement very much as the start of a deepening strategic relationship, which both airlines are committed to developing further in the future."

Subject to regulatory approval, the new codeshare agreement is expected to coincide with the launch by Etihad of its new service to Chicago at the beginning of September. Once the codeshare agreement is in effect, customers transferring between the two carriers can purchase a single ticket for their journey and enjoy the convenience of being able to check their luggage to their ultimate destination.

American Airlines currently operates trans-Atlantic services from New York to Barcelona, Brussels, Milan, London, Paris, Rome and Zurich; Chicago to Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Moscow, Delhi, Paris and Rome; Miami to London, Madrid and Paris; Dallas/Fort Worth to London, Madrid, Frankfurt and Paris; Los Angeles and Raleigh/Durham to London.

Etihad Airways currently operates to two destinations in North America: New York (JFK) and Toronto, Canada. The airline will begin service to Chicago on September 2. The route will be served initially three times a week and will increase to daily service on October 1. - TradeArabia News Service