Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and Avianca, one of Latin America’s leading airlines, have announced a new codeshare partnership.

Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on Avianca operated flights between Bogota and London Heathrow and Madrid Barajas, while Avianca will place its ‘AV’ code on Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and London and Madrid.

Additionally, from May, members of the Etihad Guest programme and Avianca’s LifeMiles programme will be able to earn miles on the codeshare flights, with a possibility of expanding the benefits at a later stage to include other destinations on both airlines’ networks.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, said: “Avianca is one of the world’s oldest and most experienced airlines. Its reputation for superior service, an extensive network spanning both the Americas and Europe makes it fully compatible for Etihad Airways’ strategic plans to increase travel and customer benefits between the UAE and South America.”

“The continued development and expansion of our partnership with the Avianca Group will give Etihad Airways unprecedented reach, facilitating its penetration in markets with greater commercial and tourism dynamics in Latin America, while promoting cultural and business relations between UAE and Colombia”.

Hernán Rincón, Avianca’s president, said: “At Avianca we are very pleased with this codeshare agreement, which will provide travellers in Latin America with more options to easily reach strategic destinations in the Middle East and to enjoy Etihad Airways’ acclaimed service and hospitality. We are also very proud to open Avianca’s wings to Etihad Airways’ guests looking to travel to the many destinations we serve, and to enjoy superior service provided by our highly skilled and professional crews throughout every part of their journey with us.” - TradeArabia News Service