Etihad Airways and Aerolíneas Argentinas have launched a new codeshare partnership African Business Travel News (ABTN) has learnt.
In a statement made available to ABTN, under the agreement, Etihad Airways customers are able to enjoy convenient connections via Rome and Madrid to Buenos Aires (EZE) and onwards to nine other popular Argentinian destinations – Córdoba (COR), Mendoza (MDZ), Rosario (ROS), Iguazú (IGR), Salta (SLA), Mar del Plata (MDQ), Bariloche (BRC), Trelew (REL) and Ushuaia (USH).
In turn, Aerolíneas Argentinas guests can have access to Etihad Airways’ network of over 100 destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub via the Italian and Spanish capitals.
Aerolíneas Argentinas is one of the leading companies in South America. From its headquarters at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, the company flies to 24 international destinations in America and Europe. Together with Austral Líneas Aéreas, Aerolíneas Argentinas operates flights to 37 destinations in the country and provides dynamic links between Argentina and the region through its re-launched operations center at Jorge Newbery Airport.
Commenting on the agreement, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial, Mohammad Al Bulooki said: “This codeshare demonstrates the importance of Argentina as a vital travel market for Etihad Airways in Latin America given the growing tourism, cultural and business opportunities that exist between the UAE and Argentina.
“We wish to give travellers flying Aerolíneas Argentinas the opportunity to enjoy the acclaimed service and hospitality for which Etihad Airways is renowned throughout the world. This codeshare will make the experience that much easier.”
Similarly, Aerolíneas Argentinas Chief Commercial Officer, Diego Garcia said: “This is a very good opportunity to consolidate and increase our offer to one of the most important hubs in the Middle East. It also allows us to improve our load factors, optimise the use of the fleet and strengthen the image of Aerolíneas Argentinas in the Asian market. We hope that this agreement will also be the gateway for many tourists to visit some of the most attractive landmarks in our country.”
Codeshare agreements offer customers countless benefits, such as baggage check-in to their final destination and extra assistance during connections. Members of both airlines’ loyalty programmes – Etihad Guest and Aerolíneas Plus – will soon be able to earn and redeem miles on the codeshare flights.
