Air NZ to offer flights to the Middle East

Photo / Herald on Sunday

Air New Zealand has signed a code share agreement with Etihad Airways that will allow its passengers to book flights to the Middle East for the first time.

Air New Zealand will code share on Etihad's services between Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi as well as between Abu Dhabi and London's Heathrow Airport.

Etihad Airways will code share on Air New Zealand trans-Tasman and domestic services.

The code share flights will be on sale from the end of the month, subject to the deal gaining government approval.

Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe said the deal provided customers with more options through Europe, and the company with an opportunity to grow passenger numbers on its transtasman and domestic services.

Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan said: "This opens up five key destinations in New Zealand that we have been eager to offer to our customers for a long time.

"We are certain the connections and seamless flight experience offered by Etihad and Air New Zealand will appeal to business and leisure travellers."

The two airlines will offer reciprocal frequent flyer agreements.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE