Asia’s largest
airline and the national airline of the United
Arab Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore
how to enhance their partnership and provide passengers with a
better travel
experience.
Following Etihad Airways’ move to Beijing Daxing
International Airport (PKX), which is also China Southern
Airlines’ hub, the MOU provides scope for expansion of the current
codeshare co-operation and allows the partners to explore
extending global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs.
In addition to PKX, Etihad also operatres
services to China Southern’s home hub at Guangzhou Baiyuan (CAN).
“This MOU
will serve as a platform for a stronger ongoing relationship
between the two airlines. Etihad looks forward to working with
China Southern Airlines to explore comprehensive and pragmatic
ways in which the two carriers can work more closely together, to
drive greater value through our unique strengths at Beijing Daxing
International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
and further extend the reach of our joint network,” said Arik De,
Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways. “Advanced
cooperation between the two airlines sends a very strong signal to the industry and brings further hope of recovery for the global
aviation and travel markets.”
As well as the potential network expansion, the MOU
contains plans for mutual procurement opportunities across ground
handling, cargo handling, bonded warehousing, catering, and
maintenance, repair and overhaul in either Guangzhou, Beijing or
Abu Dhabi.
“The signing of the
MOU opens a new chapter of win-win cooperation between the two
carriers, which will further strengthen our unique advantages in
the hub of Beijing Daxing International Airport, expand our global
network and bring more convenience to passengers,” said Zhang Dongsheng,
China Southern’s Deputy Director General – Commercial Steering
Committee. “China Southern Airlines and Etihad have maintained a
good partnership throughout the pandemic and will continue to
deepen cooperation and explore more possibilities in the future.
We look forward to working with Etihad to build a new model of
cooperation, to work side by side, to connect business and
procurement opportunities, to engage in dialogue, and embrace the
future in an innovative way.”
