Etihad Airways and Avianca, one of Latin’s leading airlines have announced a codesharing agreement to expand services from Abu Dhabi to South America. Under this agreement made between the two airlines, Etihad Airways will place it’s “EY” IATA code on Avianca operated flights between Bogota and London Heathrow & Madrid Barajas, whereas Avianca will place their “AV” IATA code on Etihad Airways’ operations between Abu Dhabi, Heathrow & Madrid.
Kevin Knight, Etihad ‘s chief strategy and planning officer, said: “Avianca is one of the world’s oldest and most experienced airlines. Its reputation for superior service, an extensive network spanning both the Americas and Europe makes it fully compatible for Etihad Airways’ strategic plans to increase travel and customer benefits between the UAE and South America. The continued development and expansion of our partnership with the Avianca Group will give Etihad Airways unprecedented reach, facilitating its penetration in markets with greater commercial and tourism dynamics in Latin America, while promoting cultural and business relations between UAE and Colombia.”
Hernán Rincón, Avianca’s president, added: “At Avianca we are very pleased with this codeshare agreement, which will provide travellers in Latin America with more options to easily reach strategic destinations in the Middle East and to enjoy Etihad Airways’ acclaimed service and hospitality.”
This begins the expansion of Etihad Airways’ operations into the LATAM market, where they do not have much of a presence. This would most likely be due to Emirates’ presence in South America with flights to Brazil and so on.
