Etihad Airways and EL AL Israel Airlines have launched their joint codeshare network and reciprocal loyalty agreement for frequent flyers.
Etihad Boeing 777-300ER arriving at Manchester Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The move follows on from the Memorandum of Understanding the airlines signed in 2020 following the Abraham Accords signed by the UAE and Israel.
Networks
As part of the move, El Al will add its ‘LY’ code to Etihad’s existing twice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv. Beyond Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, this new partnership will extend further and is planned to include destinations in Australia, Bahrain, India, Korea, Philippines and Seychelles from 1 August.
The next steps will extend the codeshare agreement will allow Etihad will offer guests an additional 14 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the US by adding its ‘EY’ code to EL AL flights. This is subject to governmental agreements.
Frequent flyer reciprocity
Members of the Etihad Guest and Matmid programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ networks for those who are travelling. The agreement has not been extended further yet to allow lounge access.
In Quotes
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said:
“We are very pleased to be able to announce the launch of our codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with El Al. This partnership will provide additional choice and connectivity for both carriers’ guests, and a range of benefits for frequent travelers between and beyond our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.”
Avigal Soreq, Chief Executive Officer, EL AL Israel Airlines said: “
This is the first commercial partnership that EL AL has established following the Abrahamic Accords. This is an important milestone as this codeshare will bring growing benefits to our passengers and to our respective airlines and countries. The EL AL and Etihad teams have a common goal in this partnership, and we look forward to seeing it grow in the future.”
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