Officials from both airlines signing the agreement at Etihad’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways have signed an agreement to launch a joint venture (JV) to build routes between Chinese cities and “key cities in the [United Arab Emirates] and across the Middle East and Africa regions,” according to a statement released by the carriers.
Chinese cities mentioned as focus points for the JV include Beijing, Kunming, Shanghai and Xi’an. The airlines say they expect to gain “necessary regulatory clearances” to be able to launch the JV in early 2025.
“Additionally, both airlines will introduce full reciprocity to their existing frequent flyer programs in the final quarter of 2024, allowing passengers to seamlessly earn points and redeem rewards when flying with either airline,” the carriers said.
China Eastern and Etihad have not revealed details on the structure or finances of the JV. The carriers said they plan to “jointly develop and grow the routes between [the United Arab Emirates] and China, resulting in a stronger combined network.”
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the JV “marks a significant milestone” and will “allow Etihad and China Eastern to offer travelers enhanced travel options and exceptional value.”
Wang Zhiqing, chairman at China Eastern, said both airlines “have strong global hubs, and our cooperation is highly complementary, covers a broad scope and has great potential.”
China Eastern is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Fellow SkyTeam carrier Delta Air Lines owns around a 3% stake in the Chinese carrier.
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