Passengers of Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines will benefit from better connectivity in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, after the pair signed a codeshare agreement.
It is the latest such deal to extend the airline’s global reach.
Codeshares allow airlines to expand their network of flights without the risk of serving a low-volume destination at a higher cost. They also allow carriers to boost flight frequency to a destination at minimal cost.
“Codeshares are a fundamental part of Etihad Airways’ long-term growth strategy,” said Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer at Etihad. “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Hong Kong Airlines.”
The codeshare agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will allow Etihad to place its “EY” code on Hong Kong Airlines’ flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, allowing a round trip between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi via Bangkok. Etihad’s code will also be placed on flights between Hong Kong and Okinawa, a popular tourism destination in southern Japan.
Hong Kong Airlines passengers will benefit from Etihad’s connectivity in the Middle East and Europe. Hong Kong will place its “HX” code on Etihad’s triple-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok. In addition to two other flights that will connect Abu Dhabi to Madrid from March 29, 2015 and to Hong Kong from June 15, 2015.
Aside from growing via codeshares, Etihad over the past three years has been acquiring equity stakes in struggling carriers to boost its geographic footprint and connectivity.
This year, Etihad has grown its equity partnership to eight, comprising of Air Seychelles, airberlin, Virgin Australia, Air Serbia, Ireland’s Aer Lingus, India’s Jet Airways, Italy’s Alitalia, and Etihad Regional (formerly known as Darwin Airline), which is awaiting final regulatory approval.
selgazzar@thenational.ae
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Sole survivors
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- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
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As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.
“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.
Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE.
“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.
“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”
