Etihad Airways and Korean Air have signed a code-share agreement – subject to regulators – to code-share on services between Seoul-Inchon and Abu Dhabi.
Once approval is granted, Korean Air’s KE code will appear on Etihad flights between the two cities.
The codeshare hasn’t got much time to be ratified, with the code scheduled to appear on flights from the 22nd July 2013.
For Eithad Guest and Korean Air SkyPass members, there will be reciprocity benefits between the two airlines. For all members, this includes the ability to burn miles on either airline, and to earn miles too.
For those who have the gold cards/high loyalty tiers, lounge access, priority check-in, excess baggage allowance will also apply between both airlines.
Should this code-sharing agreement go ahead, Etihad will have 46 code-share agreements without joining an airline alliance.
Whilst its easy to look at how both airlines can extend their reaches beyond their traditional territories, it’s interesting to note this has come about after Delta devalued their relationship with Korean Air (who are both core SkyTeam members) and reduced the earning potential.
I doubt it will be a complete change in relationship, but I would be surprised if there is no dissatisfaction in Seoul over Delta’s recent moves…