Etihad Aviation Group and Lufthansa German Airlines, one of Europe’s largest aviation groups, have unveiled details of a new commercial partnership.
The two airline groups have concluded a US $100 million global catering agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Addressing a press conference today in Abu Dhabi, the chief executives of both airline groups spelled out plans to broaden their commercial partnership.
“Partnerships are at the heart of our strategy and remain fundamental for us to compete effectively and efficiently in a complex and competitive global market,” said James Hogan, Etihad Aviation Group President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our collaboration with one of the aviation industry’s most established and recognised brands is undoubtedly the most significant non-equity partnership with an airline we have ever announced.”
“This partnership is the platform for a much wider strategic collaboration between our two organisations. It demonstrates the commitment of the Etihad Aviation Group Board and Abu Dhabi to our European growth strategy,” continued Hogan.
In turn, Lufthansa Group has welcomed the opportunity to strengthen their cooperation with the Etihad Aviation Group.
According to Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the forging of new links between the two airline carriers will add value for customers and shareholders alike.
“Partnering with the Etihad Aviation Group fits perfectly the Lufthansa Group’s global strategy for our passenger airlines and service companies,” said Spohr.
Etihad Aviation Group and Lufthansa Technik (LHT) also signed an MoU to explore cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul services across Etihad Airways and its airline equity partners, and opportunities for synergies with Etihad Airways Engineering.
As a result, the two airline carriers are facilitating both connectivity and greater customer experience, as they explore further cooperation in a number of areas, including freight operations, procurement and passenger services to improve their competitive offering globally and in the European market.
The codeshare agreement will grow both carriers’ global networks, giving Lufthansa increased access to important feeder markets throughout the Indian Subcontinent via Abu Dhabi, while Etihad will gain access into South America through Germany.
