Etihad expands African connectivity with three new airline partnerships

Etihad Airways has strengthened its African network with three partnership agreements signed in July, boosting connectivity ahead of the launch of six new African routes announced in April.

The carrier has signed interline agreements with Zimbabwe’s Fastjet and Nigeria’s Air Peace, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ghana-based Africa World Airlines. Together, the agreements will provide passengers with onward connections across West, Central, and Southern Africa from the launch of the new routes.

The Air Peace agreement, signed on 22 July, gives Etihad access to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West, and Central Africa. The Africa World Airlines MoU, signed on 24 July, covers planned cooperation in codeshare, interline, cargo, and loyalty.

The partnerships build on Etihad’s strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, extending the airline’s network beyond destinations served by its own aircraft. They also support Etihad’s strategy of positioning Abu Dhabi as a gateway between Africa, India, and Asia for passengers and cargo.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, said: “Africa is one of the fastest-growing aviation regions in the world, and this month we have moved quickly to grow with it. When our new African routes take off, the partner network behind them will already be in place.”

Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism recently launched a programme offering free medical travel insurance to eligible international visitors flying to or via the UAE capital.