Gulf-based airlines extend global reach

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad boosts network with Air France-KLM codeshare deal

Dubai: Despite facing opposition from several countries time and again, Gulf carriers have proved they are unstoppable.

Etihad Airways signed its 40th codeshare deal on Monday – with Air France-KLM, extending the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s network to 321 destinations.

The first phase of the partnership will begin on October 28, Etihad said in a statement.

Emirates signed a 10-year landmark partnership with Australian carrier Qantas last month giving  UAE passengers access to an additional 50 destinations in Australia.

And that Dubai would become Qantas’ new hub for European flights proved a bonus. The two airlines will jointly offer 98 weekly services between Australia and Dubai as the partnership arrangements take effect in April 2013, subject to regulatory approvals.

And then there have been talks about Qatar Airways mulling joining the Oneworld alliance, anchored by American Airlines and British Airways.

“Gulf carriers are driving change by rolling out ever growing networks to feed into their own services, using their new, efficient aircraft. The European airlines have long regarded the Gulf carriers as a threat; today they conceded defeat,” aviation analyst Andrew Charlton of Aviation Advocacy, told Gulf News.

The codeshare deal will see Etihad and Air France-KLM offering joint codes on destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Collectively, the two airline groups expect to carry more than 85 million passengers in 2012, according to Etihad. At the same time, Air France is announcing a new codeshare agreement with European carrier airberlin in which Etihad holds a 29.21 per cent stake.

“This deal enables us to further extend our global reach and now gives us a combined network of 321 destinations –the largest of any Middle East carrier. It also opens up many new markets for our passengers in Europe,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and CEO.