Hong Kong Airlines to Codeshare with Etihad Airways

HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally-acclaimed airline, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have signed a codeshare agreement to provide travellers with enhanced connections between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Subject to regulatory approval, passengers of Hong Kong Airlines will benefit from enhanced access to key destinations across the Middle East and Europe under the partnership, with Hong Kong Airlines' 'HX' code being placed on Etihad Airways' triple-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, together with two upcoming services that will connect Abu Dhabi to Madrid from 29 March 2015 and to Hong Kong from 15 June 2015.

Etihad Airways will place its 'EY' code on Hong Kong Airlines' flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, allowing business and leisure travellers to book a round trip between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi via Thailand's capital. In addition, the code will appear on flights between Hong Kong and Okinawa, a popular tourism destination in Southern Japan.

Flights under the codeshare agreement can be booked from 23 December 2014 via travel agents or through the airlines' sales offices and contact centres. Passengers can travel from 6 January 2015, or in the case of Etihad Airways' Hong Kong and Madrid services, from the launch dates.

Li Dianchun, Commercial Director of Hong Kong Airlines, said, "We are glad to partner with Etihad Airways, which enables our passengers to enjoy a wider range of choices. Both airlines are renowned for their world-class product and service offering, and through our new partnership, we will successfully cater to increasing traffic flows between key travel markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe."

Kevin Knight, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Etihad Airways, said, "Codeshares are a fundamental part of Etihad Airways' long-term growth strategy and we are delighted to sign this agreement with Hong Kong Airlines. Our partnership will result in multiple benefits for both airlines and, importantly, there are considerable advantages for travellers as well, such as enhanced connections and a more frequent service between the various destinations covered."

Hong Kong Airlines will codeshare on the following Etihad Airways flights:

Etihad Airways will codeshare on the following Hong Kong Airlines flights:

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time

*Flights EY880 / HX1880 and EY881 / HX1881 will commence from 15 June 2015
*Flights EY075 / HX1881 and EY076 / HX1880 will commence from 29 March 2015

About Hong Kong Airlines

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines has since grown to become an internationally-acclaimed carrier. Recognizing the warmth of its service and the quality of its onboard offering, Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the highly-esteemed four-star rating from SKYTRAX for three consecutive years. Based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Airlines' network currently covers almost 30 cities regionally, including Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa. Our current fleet has 24 aircraft, which includes three Airbus A330-300s, nine Airbus A330-200s and seven A320s, with up-to-date inflight entertainment system and an average age of just 2.6 years as of September 2014. And our cargo fleet consists of five Airbus A330-200Fs. Adhering to the concept of "Fresh and Very Hong Kong," Hong Kong Airlines is committed to "Bringing Greater Journeys Sky High," and is dedicated to providing an extraordinary flight experience to the passengers. For more information, please visit: www.hkairlines.com.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 109 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways, and is in the process of formalising equity investments in Alitalia and Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Etihad Regional also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com.

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