DALLAS — Etihad Airways (EY) and China Eastern Airlines (MU) formally inaugurated their joint venture at a ceremony at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, marking a milestone event in bilateral aviation ties between the UAE and China.
The announcement came after MU's first flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on April 28, marking the operational start of the JV. Previously running four times a week, the route will run once daily starting September 12, 2025.
Expanded Network, Seamless Loyalty Benefits
The partnership will give passengers more connectivity between key Chinese cities, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Kunming, as well as the rest of the world in the Middle East and Africa, via Abu Dhabi.
The agreement also includes loyalty programs: from June 1, 2025, EY's Etihad Guest and MU's Eastern Miles members will be able to earn and redeem miles on both networks. The partnership provides passengers with more value and an enhanced experience in frequent flyer rewards.
First-of-its-Kind Alliance in the Region
It is the first partnership between a Middle Eastern carrier and a Chinese airline, offering a model for future cooperation in aviation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The deal includes further code-sharing, joint promotions, and an improved customer experience.
With MU's spacious A330 aircraft on the Abu Dhabi route offering quick in-flight Wi-Fi, the cooperation will make the journey more convenient and comfortable for travelers on the roughly 9-hour and 20-minute flight.
Commitment to Shared Growth, Innovation
The executives of the carriers also cited the strategic value of the JV. EY's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer described the alliance as "a major leap forward" for both markets. At the same time, MU's Executive Vice President mentioned increased transit opportunities created by Zayed International Airport (AUH).
As both carriers approach closer operational integration, the alliance will deepen economic links and improve service levels for travelers flying between two of the world's fastest-growing air markets.
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Exploring Airline History Volume I
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David H. Stringer, the History Editor for AIRWAYS Magazine, has chronicled the story of the commercial aviation industry with his airline history articles that have appeared in AIRWAYS over two decades. Here, for the first time, is a compilation of those articles.
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May 2025
