It seems that Etihad Airways and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) are getting closer, with an announcement that the two will enter into a codeshare agreement.
Both airlines have signed a strategic codeshare agreement, so customers of both airlines will enjoy enhanced connectivity to destinations across each other’s networks.
With the codeshare, passengers can book on a single ticket and only have to check in once at the start of their flight, with their baggage checked through to their end destination.
It comes after Etihad recently launched a route to Denmark and after SAS Group has had serious interest from the Air France-KLM Group, with them taking a 19.9% share in the company.
This agreement strengthens Etihad’s relationship with SAS, including partnering with SAS in the Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme. Etihad Guest members will earn miles when they fly with SAS and vice versa for EuroBonus members, and this facility is now being extended to all flights across both airline networks.
In Quotes
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer said:
“Our strategic bilateral agreement with SAS, coming after the start of our flights to Copenhagen, allows more seamless travel for our guests from Northern Europe to enjoy Abu Dhabi, and to connect with our growing global network, including our expanding destinations in the Indian Sub-Continent, East Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
“The tie-in gives our guests one-stop access across Scandinavia to destinations including Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Bergen and Aarhus.
“This agreement is just the latest in our mission to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth by welcoming more guests to our home enjoying enhanced travel benefits and greater treasured experiences.”
SAS Executive, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen said:
“We are happy for the opportunity to introduce a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways.
“This partnership expands the choices available to SAS customers for journeys to Abu Dhabi and beyond, with connections to India, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and more. We will continue to enhance international connectivity and remain committed to our promise of providing seamless travel experiences to our customers.”
Look forward to December
The codeshare is set to come into effect at the end of December 2023, for travel from January.
Positive steps forward
It seems with the fresh investment, there seem to be positive steps forward with airlines willing to sign codeshare agreements (along with the liabilities these can include, which would have a commercial impact on the bottom line if something goes more than a little wrong).
With some steps set in motion to secure SAS’s future, it seems that partnerships are going to be key to driving the airline forward beyond 2023.
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I wonder if Ethihad will be a potential candidate for SkyTeam. If so, this would be a big addition after SAS