Air Malta, Etihad extend code-share agreement

Air Malta and Etihad Airways have expanded their code-share agreement to provide travellers with improved connections between Europe, the GCC region and Australia.

The two airlines extended their partnership to coincide with the launch of Etihad Airways’ service between Abu Dhabi and Rome this week.

Air Malta is placing its ‘KM’ code and flight number on the new route, while Etihad Airways is placing its ‘EY’ code and flight number of Air Malta’s non-stop service between Rome and Malta.

In addition, Air Malta’s code and flight number will be placed on Etihad Airways’ services from Abu Dhabi to Australia for the first time, covering the UAE carrier’s existing flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Perth, which also launched this week.

The expanded agreement follows the success of Air Malta’s existing code-share on Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, Brussels and Manchester.

Commenting on this development, Air Malta’s Chief Executive Louis Giordimaina said, “We are very pleased to enhance our cooperation with Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most important airlines in the Middle East.

"Both airlines share a firm commitment towards superior service and customer satisfaction, and this agreement will benefit the sizable Maltese community living in Australia as it will facilitate travel and connectivity between the Maltese islands and the Australian continent.”

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “The launch of Etihad Airways’ flights to Rome and Perth this week has created an exciting opportunity to build upon the success of our code-share agreement with Air Malta.

"The two airlines have been code-share partners since 2010 and through our expanded cooperation, business and leisure travellers with benefit from improved connections to key destinations around the world.”