Etihad Airways is keen to expand its footprint in South America, and is currently in discussions with South American-based carriers about potential commercial partnership, said president and CEO, James Hogan.

The airline currently has 38 codeshare partnerships with airlines around the globe, resulting in a combined network of 323 destinations, more than any other Middle Eastern airline.

Beyond its own organic growth, codeshare partnerships and equity stakes are a significant and growing part of the airline’s expansion strategy, a statement from the airline company said. Etihad holds a 30 per cent stake of airberlin, 40 per cent of Air Seychelles, 3 per cent of Aer Lingus and 10 per cent of Virgin Australia.

The airline will launch its first route in South America on June 1, 2013, with daily non-stop flights between Sao Paulo, Brazil and its home base of Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways’ service will also provide seamless connections from Brazil to the airline’s global network, offering connectivity over Abu Dhabi to markets in the GCC, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia, the statement said.

“Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, now ranking as the sixth largest since overtaking the UK in 2011. Bi-lateral trade between Brazil and the UAE is valued at nearly $3 billion annually, with authorities aiming to lift this to $10 billion within five years,” Hogan said.

“There are 25 major Brazilian companies with offices in Abu Dhabi. Mubadala, the development company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, last year signalled its intent to begin investments in Brazil, valued at up to $13 billion. According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Brazil trade volumes with the Arab world grew by 28 per cent in 2011 to reach $25 billion. This is forecasted to grow by a further 10-15 per cent this year.”

“In addition to supporting the growing ties between Brazil and the Middle East, this new route complements Etihad Airways’ recent expansion in North Asia, including the recent introduction of services to Chengdu and Shanghai and the upcoming increase to daily Tokyo services with connections to Nagoya from April 2013.”

“With some of the fastest connecting flight times to China and Japan, Brazil’s largest and fifth largest trade partner, respectively, Etihad Airways is providing vital air links between the world’s major emerging markets.”

Hogan was in Sao Paulo late last week to meet prominent local diplomats, travel industry executives, media and corporate representatives, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service