Arab News, Thu, Dec 21, 2023 | Jamada Al-Aakhirah 8, 1445
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines forge strategic agreement for enhanced efficiency
Emirates:
The aviation sectors of the UAE and China are poised to improve efficiency
through a new agreement signed by Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier Etihad
Airways.
The memorandum of understanding, inked with China
Eastern Airlines, seeks to strengthen commercial and operational ties, the
Emirates News Agency, WAM, reported.
This strategic cooperation agreement is designed
to provide travelers with expanded choices, higher-quality services, and
increased value, while contributing to sustainable aviation practices.
The MoU is expected to establish a robust platform
for China-UAE air traffic and serve as a launchpad for enhanced connections
between the Asian country, the Middle East, and Africa.
It represents a crucial milestone in forging a
long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation, according to Etihad Airways CEO
Antonoaldo Neves.
He said: “It also marks a significant development
of the direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and paves the way for an
agreement that will boost Abu Dhabi’s economic development, as well as
supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative.”
Additionally, both airlines intend to implement a
comprehensive collaboration, encompassing expanded codeshare agreements,
reciprocal loyalty programs, and the facilitation of cargo transport.
“The MoU builds upon our existing cooperation. It
makes possible an agreement that would allow us to collaborate in real and
practical ways as part of the continually flourishing relationship between China
and the UAE,” said Li Yangmin, president of China Eastern Airlines Group.
“The connection between China Eastern’s Shanghai
hub and Etihad’s network through Abu Dhabi will significantly enhance our
footprint in the Middle East and Africa,” he added.
The president further emphasized how the agreement
aligns with the firm’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Aerial
Silk Road, fostering economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between China and
partner countries.
They also plan to address maintenance, repair, and
overhaul, along with ground handling, catering, lounge access, and staff
training. Additionally, both airlines are committed to various sustainability
initiatives.
Furthermore, the MoU is expected to support the
Chinese airline’s ambition to initiate services to Abu Dhabi through discussions
with key stakeholders, including the company responsible for the UAE
capital’s airports, and the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism.
In September, the UAE’s Minister of Human
Resources and Emiratization Abdulrahman Al-Awar, along with a delegation from
China led by his vice-ministerial counterpart, Li Zhong, discussed opportunities
for cooperation in labor. They also explored areas related to human resources
development and skills enhancement.
During the meeting in Dubai, both sides presented
plans for developing identified priority business sectors, as reported by WAM.
At the time, both sides reaffirmed their
commitment to collaboration and pledged to hold further meetings to discuss
future developments.