Etihad Airways and SAS have signed a strategic codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity to Scandinavia and beyond. The new codeshare will come into effect in December 2023 with booking available from January 2024.
On Monday (October 23, 2024), Etihad Airways announced the launch of a new strategic partnership with SAS, expanding connectivity to Scandinavia and beyond. The new agreement follows Etihad’s recent start of service to Copenhagen, Denmark. Guests of either airline will be able to purchase a single ticket and enjoy baggage checked through to their final destination. The codeshare, which comes into effect in December 2023 for travel from January 2024, strengthens Etihad’s relationship with SAS, including partnering with the carrier in the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program.
In Monday’s codeshare announcement, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer, Arik De, said,
“Our strategic bilateral agreement with SAS, coming after the start of our flights to Copenhagen, allows more seamless travel for our guests from Northern Europe to enjoy Abu Dhabi, and to connect with our growing global network, including our expanding destinations in the Indian Sub-Continent, East Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
“The tie-in gives our guests one-stop access across Scandinavia to destinations including Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Bergen, and Aarhus. This agreement is just the latest in our mission to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth by welcoming more guests to our home enjoying enhanced travel benefits and greater treasured experiences.”
Also commenting on the new codeshare partnership, SAS’ EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Verhagen, added,
“We are happy for the opportunity to introduce a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways. This partnership expands the choices available to SAS customers for journeys to Abu Dhabi and beyond, with connections to India, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and more. We will continue to enhance international connectivity and remain committed to our promise of providing seamless travel experiences to our customers.”
SAS is the leading airline in Scandinavia, typically carrying over 30 million passengers annually from its main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to destinations in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. The company has targeted a reduction in carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2025, compared to 2005 levels, and hopes to transition to 100% biofuel for domestic flights by 2030. SAS also offers ground handling services, technical maintenance, and cargo services. The carrier is a founding member of the Star Alliance, which celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2022.
Source(s): Etihad Airways, SAS