Etihad Airways, which has shown a reluctance in the past to join such airline alliances as OneWorld or StarAlliance, is going its own way, announcing the creation today of Etihad Airways Partners.
Six carriers are on-board - Etihad, AirBerlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Darwin Airline. Etihad already has a financial stake in all of the airlines except for Darwin.
"We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other," James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said at a press conference.
Any airline is welcome to join Etihad Airways Partners, even if it is already a member of another alliance. AirBerlin, for example, is a OneWorld member.
"The potential for network alignment to maximize flight connectivity for passengers, together with a shared passion for superior service, are central to the ethos of the Etihad Airways Partner concept," Hogan said. "Frequent flyers will benefit from the formation of Etihad Airways Partners as it will remove the complexity and confusion that exists within the global alliances," including no blackout periods, tiered benefits and priority services.
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