Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM expand partnership

Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore expanding their collaboration across passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development, and maintenance.

With immediate effect, 40 new codeshare routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia are available to book for travel as early as the winter 2023 season.

The new routes represent a significant expansion. Previously, Etihad codeshared with Air France on only five short-haul destinations out of Paris CDG and with KLM on 23 routes out of Amsterdam.

The agreement also envisages the ability of frequent flyers of both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM, and Etihad.

The airlines will also consider terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access for elites and ground handling.

Two flights a day between Abu Dhabi and Paris

Etihad Airways operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Paris CDG and Amsterdam Schiphol.

Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from 29 October 2023. The flight schedule:

• AF639: Dep Abu Dhabi AUH at 08:45 – Arr Paris CDG at 13:15
• AF638: Dep Paris CDG at 21:15 – Arr Abu Dhabi AUH at 06:45

Unfortunately, it appears the Air France flight can only be booked with an Etihad Airways code as part of a connecting itinerary.

That is a shame. It would be helpful to have the option to combine Etihad Airways and Air France flights in one booking on trips between Abu Dhabi and Paris. I prefer day flights on trips to Europe so would ideally combine Air France on the outbound and return to Abu Dhabi on Etihad.

The additional Air France flight builds on the new routes and increased frequencies Etihad has already announced in 2023.

Good news for Etihad Guest members

The expanded partnership is potentially excellent news for Etihad Guest members. The ability to earn miles and redeem rewards on Air France-KLM is a big boost for Etihad Guest.

Air France-KLM serves 318 destinations. It will add numerous destinations in North and South America, the Caribbean and Africa not served by Etihad.

Air France and KLM have good hard and soft products in Business Class. The lounges in their hub airports are impressive. Think Clarins spas and cuisine overseen by Alain Ducasse.

Air France also has one of the best First Class cabins in the sky. Unfortunately, only Flying Blue Platinum members can redeem miles for Air France First Class tickets.

I caveat this as ‘potentially’ good news as several questions remain about the details. What will the earning rates for miles be? Will Etihad Guest members also earn Tier Miles on Air France-KLM flights? Will it be possible to book redemptions online?

The only aspect I am a little sceptical about is the mention of colocation. Etihad uses the revamped Terminal 1 at Paris CDG. The terminal has been reimaged as a ‘Boutique Terminal’ with impressive passenger facilities, retail and food and beverage offerings.

It is by far the best terminal in Paris CDG and possibly one the nicest in Europe. It would be disappointing to see Etihad relocate to be with Air France in Terminal 2 before that terminal also gets the ’boutique’ upgrade treatment.