Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad forge joint venture, introduce new Addis Ababa–Abu Dhabi flights

UAE – Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have established a joint venture to strengthen connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, featuring a codeshare agreement that expands travel options across both networks.

The JW was inked on March 20 at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines will commence flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on July 15, while Etihad Airways will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa starting October 1.

The flight schedule includes Ethiopian Airlines’ ET 614 departing Addis Ababa at 9:50 p.m. and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 3:10 a.m., with the return flight, ET 615, leaving Abu Dhabi at 4:25 a.m. and reaching Addis Ababa at 7:45 a.m.

Subject to regulatory approval, the joint venture aims to develop and expand routes between the UAE and Ethiopia while enhancing connectivity across both networks.

This collaboration strengthens links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, offering passengers expanded travel options.

Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network includes destinations such as Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Kinshasa, and Lusaka, while Etihad Airways connects to key cities in India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, and Phuket, with upcoming routes to Phnom Penh and Hanoi.

Ethiopian Airlines will operate its new route using Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

Etihad Airways will deploy its modern A320 family aircraft on its daily flights to Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the joint venture represents a key milestone in enhancing connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

He highlighted the collaboration’s role in providing greater travel convenience, strengthening bilateral ties, and promoting economic growth between Ethiopia and the UAE.

Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves noted that the partnership will allow customers seamless access to more destinations through both carriers’ expanding networks.

He also mentioned that the venture opens opportunities for further collaboration, including frequent flyer programs, training, and cargo operations.

With this agreement, both airlines reaffirm their commitment to offering enhanced travel experiences, greater route flexibility, and a more comprehensive network, further positioning Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa as strategic hubs for regional and international travel.

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