Monday, Jul 30, 2012
Aer Lingus Group PLC (EIL1.DB) said Monday it has reached a commercial agreement with Etihad Airways to cooperate on flights between Dublin and Abu Dhabi, and give the Irish airline access to its Abu Dhabi-based partner's network in the Asia-Pacific region.
Etihad will also cooperate with Aer Lingus on services to a total of 18 destinations in Europe and the U.S., including flights from Dublin to New York, Boston, London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Lisbon.
Main points:
-The arrangements will start during the third quarter of 2012, enhancing the already wide range of destinations and travel opportunities available to customers booking on aerlingus.com.
-Etihad and Aer Lingus continue to discuss additional commercial and cost opportunities to develop a closer working relationship in areas such as joint procurement.
-Aer Lingus Chief Executive Christoph Mueller said: "Today's announcement supports Aer Lingus' strategy to provide greater access and choice to our customers. We are delighted to welcome Etihad on board as a partner."
-James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and chief executive, said: "We are delighted to announce this new commercial agreement with Aer Lingus which will provide Etihad Airways customers with new travel options and flight connections to Ireland, the U.K., continental Europe, and across the Atlantic to Boston and New York.
Write to Matthew Curtin at matthew.curtin@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
30-07-12 0859GMT
