UAE Filipinos to gain from Etihad tie-up

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has forged closer ties with Manila-based Philippine Airlines (PAL), a move that will offer greater choice of destinations to UAE-based Filipinos and those that wish to travel to the Philippines and beyond.

The agreement covers codeshare flights, loyalty programs, airport lounges, joint sales and marketing programs, a Philippines domestic air pass, cargo, and the coordination of airport operations to provide a better guest experience at their Abu Dhabi and Manila hubs, Etihad said in a media statement.

“What is particularly significant about the new commercial arrangements is that our millions of customers are the winners,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

“From a greater choice of passenger and freight codeshare destinations to reciprocal loyalty program benefits, and more efficient terminal operations – this is a truly customer-centric proposition,” Hogan said in the statement, adding that the broad scope of the commercial agreement reflected the strength of the relationship between the airlines and the close ties between the UAE and the Philippines.

The new agreement follows the signing of an MoU between the airlines in Abu Dhabi on April 28, 2014. “This new partnership builds on the success of our original codeshare agreement and reflects the mutual respect, trust and goodwill that have built up over time – not only between the airlines but also between our governments,” Hogan said.

“This new agreement is one of the ways by which PAL hopes to further build its global network,” noted Ramon S. Ang, PAL President and COO. “By harmonising our products, we get to offer our passengers much wider and better travel options all over the world while boosting economic activity for both our countries through trade and tourism,” he added.

Initially, the airline partners will place their respective ‘PR’ and ‘EY’ codes on each other’s Manila-Abu Dhabi flights to operate a combined total of 19 weekly flights between the two capitals. Etihad Airways will also place its ‘EY’ code on Philippine Airlines flights from Manila to 20 destinations throughout the Philippines in the first phase, increasing to 28 during 2014. 

The agreement extends the use of Etihad Airways premium lounges in Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow to Philippine Airlines Business Class guests. This comes into effect from August 1 for the Abu Dhabi lounges and November 1 for London Heathrow.

The airlines also signed a letter of intent for a capacity agreement based on the bellyhold of all passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Manila, as well as connecting airfreight into Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South East Asia.

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