Etihad Airways launches a new reciprocal codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles

The deal follows yesterday's announcement that the Abu Dhabi-based airline would form a strategic partnership by taking a 40% stake in the national carrier of the Seychelles.

Under the first phase of the agreement, Etihad Airways guests will have the opportunity to travel to Praslin via Mahé and Air Seychelles guests will be able to travel nonstop to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways. The new codeshare services are on sale from today, effective immediately on flights with both airlines.
The second phase of the agreement will see Etihad Airways-marketed flights across Air Seychelles' network and Air Seychelles-marketed flights to Etihad Airways destinations across Europe, the Middle East, the GCC, Asia and Australia.

The agreement - Etihad Airways' 36th such commercial partnership - continues the Abu Dhabi-based airline's global network expansion.

Etihad Airways commenced services to the Seychelles capital of Mahé on November 2, 2011.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Although we only recently launched the route, the Seychelles has already proven to be a hugely popular holiday destination among our guests. By expanding our presence in the region and increasing connectivity in cooperation with Air Seychelles, Etihad Airways' guests can look forward to a more seamless travel experience within the diverse and scenic islands."

An integrated, reciprocal frequent flyer agreement, including mileage earning and redemption, will be introduced later this year.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried more than eight million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 82 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 65 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft.