Etihad Airways has created a new airline partnership that shares many of the characteristics of the big three airline alliances. The new group, known as Etihad Airways Partners, describes itself as a group of "like-minded airlines" that will work to coordinate their networks, schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.
In addition to Etihad, the initial partnership members are Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Darwin Airlines. Etihad said that any airline can join the group, even if they already belong to an existing alliance. Airberlin, for example, belongs to Oneworld.
"We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other," said James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, the fastest-growing of the three major Gulf carriers, is putting its own logo on the new partnership; it will be displayed on aircraft and on branded materials for the new partnership.
The partnership will provide standardized mileage and benefits to the frequent flyer members of all participating airlines.
Participating airlines will also share sales teams in some destinations, share pilot and crew training, jointly procure services and supplies and other efforts to get the benefits of economies of scale.
Etihad has equity in four of the airlines in the partnership: Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles and Jet Airways. It also has equity in Aer Berlin and Virgin Australia.