Etihad Airways has become second United Arab Emirates carrier in a matter of days to unveil a deal to explore a potential partnership with Vietnam Airlines.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has inked a memorandum of understanding with SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines to look at future co-operation. That includes potential codesharing as well areas including reciprocation of loyalty programmes, cargo, maintenance and ground handling.
It comes after Dubai carrier Emirates on 29 October signed separate memorandums of understandings on potential co-operations with Vietnam Airlines, as well as Vietnamese low-cost operator VietJet.
Etihad vice-president alliances, Jurriaan Stelder says: “This MoU is an important milestone to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial collaboration, opening the door for both airlines to explore the benefits of a deeper relationship. Our collective ambition is to further strengthen both airlines’ ability to provide and enhance service to our customers.”
Vietnam Airlines executive vice-president Nguyen Chien Thang says: ”Through comprehensive collaboration, including codeshare, loyalty programmes, cargo, and technical support, we believe we will deliver exceptional benefits to the customers of both airlines and further strengthen connectivity between Vietnam and the UAE.”
