Etihad, Safi sign codeshare deal

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will gain better access to Kabul following the signing of a codeshare agreement with Safi Airways, the leading international airline of Afghanistan. Under the deal, effective since Tuesday, May 15, Etihad has placed its two-letter ‘EY’ code on the four weekly services which Safi Airways has been operating between Abu Dhabi and Kabul since February 2012. The new agreement will also give Afghan air travellers greater and easier access to Abu Dhabi-based airline’s network of 86 destinations. Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner, said: “Etihad continues to expand its codeshare partnership across the world in line with its strategic network development plans. We were looking to improve point to point service to Kabul through a codeshare alliance with a carrier whose commitment to service and product is building rapidly. “These codeshare agreements will also provide customers of both our airlines with greater access to Etihad Airways’ expanding global network.” Lloyd Carswell, Chief Commercial Officer Safi Airways, said: “The codeshare with Etihad Airways is part of our long term strategic plan to consolidate our presence within the GCC and our ultimate goal to maximise connections to and from Afghanistan. “The Etihad Airways network will allow us both to create a strategic and tangible step forward in the relentless pursuit of reconnecting Afghanistan to the rest of the world.” Etihad Airways has 34 other codeshare agreements in place. The new codeshare services commence between the two capitals from 18 May, 2012.