Dhaka: Etihad airways and Hong Kong airlines have launched a codeshare partnership and signed a reciprocal loyalty agreement, coinciding with Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong.

Under the deal, Hong Kong Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi are now sold as Etihad ‘EY’ services, while Etihad customers can book connections to Fukuoka, Sapporo, Osaka and Okinawa on Hong Kong Airlines under the ‘HX’ code, allowing single-ticket travel and through check-in.

The forthcoming loyalty tie-up will let members of Etihad Guest and Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club earn and redeem miles across both networks.

The move expands Etihad Guest’s partner portfolio, already the largest among non-alliance airline loyalty programmes.

Etihad chief revenue and commercial officer Arik De said the partnership adds “greater flexibility, broader reach and superior rewards” for members.

Hong Kong airlines executive vice president Louis Li called it a key step in the carrier’s international recovery and a boost to travel links between the Gulf and Asia.

-B