Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will gain better access to Kabul following the signing of a code-share agreement with Safi Airways of Afghanistan for seat booking in each others’ airlines.

The new agreement will also give air travellers in Afghanistan greater and easier access to the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s network of 86 destinations.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Peter Baumgartner, said: “Etihad continues to expand its code-share partnership across the world in line with its strategic network development plans.

“We were looking to improve point-to-point service to Kabul through a code-share alliance with a carrier whose commitment to service and product is building rapidly”, he said.

“These code-share agreements will also provide customers of both our airlines with greater access to Etihad Airways’ expanding global network,” Mr Baumgartner added.

Mr Lloyd Carswell, Chief Commercial Officer, Safi Airways, said: “The code-share with Etihad Airways is part of our long-term strategic plan to consolidate our presence within the GCC and our ultimate goal to maximise connections to and from Afghanistan.''

Etihad Airways has 34 other code-share agreements in place. The new code-share services between the two capitals commenced yesterday.

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