Air Berlin is launching flights from Berlin to Abu Dhabi this month after signing a deal with Etihad Airways. The agreement sees the Abu Dhabi-based carrier become the largest shareholder in Air Berlin, with a 29 per cent stake. Etihad is also providing financing of up to $255 million over five years to help grow the German airline’s fleet and network development.
Air Berlin, which is the second largest carrier in Germany, announced it was cutting its fleet by 10 per cent in September. This followed CEO Joachim Hunold stepping down in August after 20 years running the airline.
As part of the Etihad deal, Air Berlin begins operating four-weekly Airbus A330 flights between Berlin and Abu Dhabi from January 12. Air Berlin is also moving its Middle East operation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The two airlines will implement a codeshare agreement with Etihad codesharing on 36 of 171 Air Berlin flights, and the German carrier codesharing on 24 of 82 of Etihad’s destinations.
Etihad CEO James Hogan said: “This new partnership expands our network reach, gives us access to 33 million new passengers, and provides us with a real opportunity for global growth.
“Through Air Berlin, we gain immediate access to a broad and complementary European market, with outstanding connectivity options for customers of both airlines.”
Air Berlin boss Hartmut Mehdorn added: “The partnership with Etihad opens up enormous opportunities for the future of our company. One of the key components of the new partnership is the launch of Air Berlin services to Abu Dhabi, which will become our new gateway to Asia and Australia.”