UAE national carrier Etihad Airways and TAP Air Portugal have entered into a strategic codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity for passengers of both airlines across various destinations within their respective networks.

This agreement, which came into effect yesterday (December 5), is the latest in Etihad’s objective to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth by welcoming more guests to enjoy heightened travel benefits and gain cherished experiences.

This partnership will provide Etihad’s customers with easy, one-stop access to a variety of captivating destinations across the TAP network. These include iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil, as well as San Francisco and Miami in the US.

Additionally, the African resort island of Sao Tome is among the picturesque locations available through this collaboration, and customers can also connect with Madeira, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia in Europe, as well as Marrakech and Dakar in Africa.

The codeshare lets guests streamline their journeys by making a single booking with one check-in process at the start and the added convenience of having their baggage seamlessly transferred to their final destination.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer said: “This collaboration provides our guests with convenient one-stop access to 26 of TAP’s fantastic leisure and business destinations.

“Equally, it expands the choices available to TAP customers travelling from Europe to Abu Dhabi, offering them the opportunity to explore the hospitality and rich culture of our home, and seamlessly connect to a selection of our destinations in the GCC and Seychelles.

“Widening our network reach, allowing more guests to visit Abu Dhabi, is an important part of our strategic growth. It allows us to further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic development, extending a warm welcome to more guests and offering them heightened travel privileges and unforgettable experiences.”

TAP’s Chief Revenue Officer, Mario Cruz, said: “The codeshare agreement between TAP Air Portugal and Etihad adds diversity and quality to the travelling experience that both companies offer their customers.

“The destination networks of the two airlines complement each other through this agreement, which is part of TAP's growth and expansion strategy. We are very pleased to have reached this partnership with Etihad."

The agreement follows the start of Etihad’s non-stop services to Lisbon earlier this year and enables both Etihad and TAP customers to connect to each other’s network through Frankfurt and London Heathrow.

As well as connecting customers to Etihad’s network, it will make it even easier to for visitors to come to Abu Dhabi with its enthralling array of attractions, ranging from the architectural masterpiece of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to adrenaline-filled adventures at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. – TradeArabia News Service