Etihad Airways partners with PAL

CEBU, Philippines - Etihad Airways has formed a strategic partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL) that marks a new era of cooperation between the flag carriers.

The agreement covers codeshare flights, loyalty programs, airport lounges, joint sales and marketing programs, a Philippines domestic air pass, cargo, and the coordination of airport operations to provide a better guest experience at their Abu Dhabi and Manila hubs.

“This new partnership builds on the success of our original codeshare agreement and reflects the mutual respect, trust and goodwill that have built up over time – not only between the airlines but also between our governments,” said Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan. “What is particularly significant about the new commercial arrangements is that our millions of customers are the winners. From a greater choice of passenger and freight codeshare destinations, to reciprocal loyalty program benefits, and more efficient terminal operations – this is a truly customer-centric proposition.”

Initially, the airline partners will place their respective ‘PR’ and ‘EY’ codes on each other’s Manila-Abu Dhabi flights to operate a combined total of 19 weekly flights between the two capitals. Etihad Airways will also place its ‘EY’ code on Philippine Airlines flights from Manila to 20 destinations throughout the Philippines in the first phase, increasing to 28 during 2014.

Members of Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Frequent Flyer Program and Etihad Airways Etihad Guest will enjoy reciprocal loyalty program benefits including miles earn and redemption, priority check-in and boarding, baggage handling and lounge access across both networks.

During September and October, double miles will be awarded to Etihad Guest members travelling on any Philippine Airlines flight and to Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles members travelling on Etihad Airways flights.

The agreement also extends the use of Etihad Airways premium lounges in Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow to Philippine Airlines Business Class guests and Mabuhay Miles Million Miler, Premier Elite and Elite members when traveling on Philippine Airlines’ Manila-Abu Dhabi and Manila-London Heathrow flights. This comes into effect from August 1 for the Abu Dhabi lounges and November 1 for London Heathrow.

On the cargo front, the airlines have signed a letter of intent for an extensive capacity agreement based on the bellyhold of all passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Manila, as well as connecting airfreight into Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South East Asia. The airlines will work on the joint development of value-added cargo products such as priority and pharmaceuticals across their combined networks.

They are also developing a joint air pass scheme which will enable overseas visitors to purchase an international flight to Manila and up to three additional sectors on Philippine Airlines’ domestic network. This will enable travellers to visit more of the Philippines and provide a significant boost to the local tourism industry. The air pass is expected to go on sale by September 1, 2014.

PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang said, “This new agreement is one of the ways by which PAL hopes to further build its global network. By harmonizing our products, we get to offer our passengers much wider and better travel options all over the world while boosting economic activity for both our countries through trade and tourism.”

Etihad Airways operates two flights daily between Abu Dhabi and Manila using a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with 28 seats in Business Class and 384 in Economy Class.

PAL’s five weekly flights utilize its new Airbus A330-300 aircraft which features a modern, two-class cabin configured into Economy (with a separate premium economy cabin) and an all-new, state-of-the-art Business Class. The PAL A330 carries 368 passengers: 323 in Economy; 27 in a spacious Premium Economy; and 18 in Business Class.

Both airlines have Business Class seats that convert to full-flat beds and offer full service in Economy Class.

The comprehensive new commercial agreement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the airlines in Abu Dhabi on April 28, 2014. (FREEMAN)