Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development, and maintenance opportunities.

Under the MoU the companies will add 40 new routes available for travel from winter 2023 and will also allow both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest frequent flyers to earn and redeem miles. The airlines will also explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling, among other initiatives.

Angus Clarke, executive vice president and chief commercial officer Air France-KLM, said: “I’m delighted to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways. This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world.”

Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad, added, “This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leveraging the extensive AF-KL network to Europe and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Air France-KLM announced it had signed a MoU with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism with the aim of reinforcing connectivity between Europe and Abu Dhabi.

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