Etihad in codeshare deal with Israel's El Al

The national carriers of the UAE and Israel have launched their joint codeshare network and reciprocal loyalty agreement for frequent flyers.

The deal between Etihad Airways and El Al builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the airlines in 2020 following the Abraham Accords signed by the UAE and Israel.

For flights from July 18, El Al will add its 'LY' code to Etihad’s existing twice weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.

Beyond Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, this new partnership will extend further and is planned to include destinations in Australia, Bahrain, India, Korea, Philippines and Seychelles from August 1.

In the next phase of the agreement, subject to obtaining applicable governmental and regulatory approvals, Etihad will offer guests an additional 14 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and US by adding its 'EY' code to El Al flights.

The two airlines will also establish a reciprocal loyalty agreement which will see members of the Etihad Guest and Matmid programmes be able to earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ networks.

"This partnership will provide additional choice and connectivity for both carriers’ guests, and a range of benefits for frequent travelers between and beyond our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv," said Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group.

The 2020 MoU between the sides also provided for exploration of MRO, pilot and crew training, and cargo opportunities, which are currently under progress.

"This is the first commercial partnership that EL AL has established following the Abrahamic Accords. This is an important milestone as this codeshare will bring growing benefits to our passengers and to our respective airlines and countries," said Avigal Soreq, CEO, El Al Israel Airlines.