Etihad M.O.U. illustrates growing ambitions in Cyprus

Under the initial codeshare deal, which is expected to come into effect in September 2009, Cyprus Airways will place its 'CY' code on Etihad Airways flights between Larnaca and Abu Dhabi.

The aim of the codeshare is to enable Etihad Airways, as a newcomer to the Cypriot market, to increase its presence through the greater cooperation with the Cyprus Airways, the Mediterranean island's national airline.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer signed the codeshare M.O.U. with Christos Agapiou, Cyprus Airways' commercial manager at a press conference in Larnaca today, Wednesday 1 July.

Mr Baumgartner said:

"Since launching services between Abu Dhabi and Cyprus demand has continued to grow for Etihad Airways' flights and we are therefore delighted to sign this M.O.U. with Cyprus Airways which will support our expansion in this important market."

Etihad launched its four flights a week service between the capital cities of Cyprus and the UAE on 14 June which have proved extremely popular with UAE-based holiday makers travelling to the popular Mediterranean island for a break.

Etihad currently has 16 other codeshare agreements with Aer Arran, Bangkok Airways, Brussels Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kuwait Airways, Yemen Airways, Saudi Arabia Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Qantas, UK-based airline, bmi, Ukraine International Airlines and Turkish Airways.