Etihad Airways signs new codeshare deal with Garuda Indonesia

The agreement, which comes into effect on October 28, 2012, is the airline's 42nd codeshare.

In the first phase of the partnership, Etihad Airways will place its 'EY' code on Garuda Indonesia's services between Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali), and Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. Subject to regulatory approval, Garuda Indonesia will place its 'GA' code on Etihad Airways flights from Jakarta to up to 31 destinations in the GCC, Levant, Africa, Europe and North America.

Subject to regulatory approval, the airlines plan to expand the scope of the agreement to include more destinations in each other's network and offer customer benefits such as frequent flyer program reciprocity and airport lounge access.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said the codeshare with Garuda Indonesia was a key plank of the airline's network development strategy.

"The partnership with Garuda Indonesia will contribute to Etihad Airways achieving its goal of expanding its network and brand presence in South East Asia.

"Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation, is an important source of global tourism growth and this new agreement will position both airlines to benefit from the strong demand for travel between Indonesia and the Middle East and Europe that we have seen in recent years.

"It will also stimulate trade in foodstuffs, manufactured goods and other commodities between Indonesia and trading partners in the western hemisphere which, in turn, will contribute to the profitability of the airlines' cargo operations on the route.

"Etihad Airways is keen to expand the scope of cooperation with Garuda Indonesia to include new destinations - particularly in Indonesia - and to offer our guests a wider choice of travel options."

Emirsyah Satar, President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia, welcomed the cooperation of the Etihad Airways' management team in establishing the new partnership.

"This codeshare partnership between Garuda Indonesia and Etihad Airways will further strengthen the global network of both airlines and provide increased benefits to all our passengers.

"Through this partnership, Garuda Indonesia will be able to extend its service to Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and Etihad Airways will provide more convenient connections for their passengers in Indonesia, Australia and Japan.

"Through this mutual partnership, Garuda Indonesia will continue to improve its services and will 'bring the world to Indonesia'."

The codeshare will go on sale on October 18 for travel from October 28, 2012.