Following the conclusion of a partnership between Air Canada and Etihad Airways in 2020, it’s now the turn of Air France-KLM to sign an agreement with this Gulf airline.

With this agreement, more than 40 new routes covering destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Australia are added from now on, for travel dates starting in winter 2023.

The two groups are strengthening their collaboration in a number of areas, including passenger transport with codeshare flights, frequent flyer programs and aircraft maintenance.

Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways are also considering the possibility of centralizing their operations in the same terminals at certain airports, allowing their respective customers access to their airport lounges, and collaborating on ground handling services.

I’m delighted to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways. This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership. This moment marks our shared commitment to providing seamless, premium, customer-centric travel experiences to our shared global customer base.

Angus Clarke, directeur général adjoint et Chief Commercial Officer d’Air France-KLM

We are excited to expand our collaboration with Air France-KLM, with this MoU serving as a testament to our shared vision of creating premium journeys for our guests. This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leveraging the extensive AF-KL network to Europe and beyond. It reaffirms Etihad’s intent to bolster Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth as we look forward to welcoming more guests to our home enjoying better travel benefits and enhanced customer experiences along the way.

Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer d’Etihad Airways

In addition, members of the Flying Blue and Etihad Guest programs will be able to collect and redeem miles with both airlines.

As both loyalty programs are American Express Membership Rewards redemption partners, this is good news for points hunters. Exchange opportunities and availability are likely to be enhanced.

Currently, Etihad Airways operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam-Schipol (AMS).

From October 29, 2023, Air France will inaugurate a daily service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi with Airbus A350 aircraft. These flights are priced at 29,625 Flying Blue miles in economy class and 56,250 miles in business class. A very good deal to be seized as soon as possible!

It will be interesting to see how this new partnership develops. Stay tuned for further news on award tickets with Flying Blue and Etihad Guest.

Read our reports on the different cabins offered on board Etihad Airways: