Etihad signs African airline partnerships to expand regional connectivity

Abu Dhabi : Etihad Airways has strengthened its presence in Africa by signing partnership agreements with three airlines in July, expanding its network across West, Central, and Southern Africa ahead of the launch of new routes on the continent. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier signed an interline agreement with Zimbabwe's Fastjet earlier this month, followed by an interline partnership with Nigeria's Air Peace on July 22 and a memorandum of understanding with Ghana-based Africa World Airlines on July 24. The agreement with Air Peace will give Etihad passengers access to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West Africa, and Central Africa through connecting flights. Meanwhile, the deal with Africa World Airlines outlines cooperation in codeshare services, interline operations, cargo, and frequent flyer programs. The latest partnerships complement Etihad's previously announced strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines and are designed to extend the airline's reach beyond destinations served by its own aircraft. Etihad said the agreements support its broader African expansion strategy following the announcement of six new African destinations in April. The airline plans to position Abu Dhabi as a key gateway linking Africa with India, Asia and the Middle East while improving passenger and cargo connectivity.