Etihad and Bangkok Airways join code-sharing

Providing passengers with greater access to destinations in Thailand

   James Hogan , Etihad Airways' chief executive, said " Asia is an important market for Etihad and there is huge demand amongst our customers to travel beyond the Thai capital, which this new codeshare agreement now allows. We are expecting the new services to be extremely popular, particularly with leisure travellers looking for a luxury beach break on two of Asia 's most beautiful islands."  

 Under the deal, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter 'EY' code on Bangkok Airways' flights between the Thai capital city and these popular islands. The announcement is part of Etihad's plan to extend further its global network and brings to twelve the number of codeshare agreements now operated by the airline.

 Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, said " Koh Samui and Phuket are regarded as our favorite destinations for visitors worldwide. To cooperate with Etihad, as one of the leading and fastest-growing airlines in the world, not only increases access for passengers who would love to explore the beauty of these famous destinations, but also help promote and accelerate tourism industry in Thailand .  We strongly believe this new cooperation will be very successful." 

Since launching services to the Thai capital in April 2004, Bangkok has quickly established itself as one of Etihad's most popular business and leisure travel destinations, with average seat factors last year exceeding 80 per cent. The Abu Dhabi-based airline currently operates a double daily service to the capital city.

The codeshare services operate from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok and further on to Koh Samui with double daily flights while service to Phuket operates on daily flight.