Milan Malpensa Airport News

Alitalia Etihad Malpensa Codeshare

Alitalia and Etihad Airways today confirmed their intention to operate a codeshare agreement from Milan Malpensa Airport starting in April 2010, subject to government approvals.

The agreement will mean Etihad passsengers around the world will be able to fly to Rome and Naples from Milan Malpensa. Alitalia customers will be able to fly directly from Malpensa to Abu Dhabi and will have greater and easier access to the airline’s expanding network of more than 55 destinations.

Under the proposed deal, Etihad will place its EY code on a number of services operated by Alitalia from Milan Malpensa to Rome and Naples, and between selected European destinations and Rome, including Frankfurt, Geneva and Munich. In turn, Alitalia will place its AZ code on Etihad’s flights between Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi.

Etihad currently operates five direct services to Milan Malpensa Airport per week.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive, said: “The ties between the UAE and Italy have never been stronger, and it is our objective to play a key role in the development of travel and tourism between the two regions.

“This proposed codeshare agreement means we can offer our customers access to two of Italy’s most popular destinations, as well as give European travellers greater and much easier access to Etihad’s own expanding international network.

“We are delighted to be working with the new Alitalia management team under Mr Sabelli. Their vision for repositioning Alitalia is one of the reasons we have reached this important agreement.”

Rocco Sabelli, Alitalia’s chief executive said: “The planned agreement with Etihad is an exciting development for Alitalia, as it is a further step in our strategy of connecting Italy to the most important destinations around the world, building on our strength in the Italian market.

“This agreement meets Alitalia’s plans for services to destinations in a very dynamic area, and it complements our strategy towards the Milan and northern Italy market.”

Etihad and Alitalia also intend to implement a reciprocal agreement to link their frequent flyer programmes. Under the proposed plan, members of both programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles when travelling on all Etihad and Alitalia flights.

Etihad Airways and American Airlines Codeshare

Etihad Airways and American Airlines have started new codeshare services at Milan Malpensa Airport on flights to Abu Dhabi and New York.

Etihad Airways have placed its EY code on transatlantic services operated by the US carrier between Milan Malpensa and the United States. American Airlines have placed its AA code on Etihad Airways flights between Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi.

The codeshare agreement will further extend each partner airline’s global network and offer passengers a smoother, more convenient travel experience when travelling between the UAE and the US.

Under the new arrangement, American Airlines will place its code on flights operated by Etihad between New York, Chicago, Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt, Manchester and Milan Malpensa to and from Abu Dhabi.

Etihad will place its code on a number of trans Atlantic flights operated by American Airlines between the U.S. and Europe, plus flights between New York and Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as flights between Chicago and Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston Intercontinental.

Etihad Airways Add Frequency

Etihad Airways have added frequency in Milan with extra flights From Milan Malpensa to Abu Dhabi. Flights have now increased from three to five per week.

Etihad Airways have significantly improved connections across their network adding additional frequencies on key routes. The 2009 summer schedule has seen further expansion from Etihad, the summer flying programme is 20 per cent larger than last year. The highlights of the new flight schedule are the new destinations in America and Australia.

Currently Etihad has a fleet of 44 narrow and wide-body aircraft which will rise to 52, with one aircraft retiring recently from the current fleet, by the end of 2009. The new additions consist of two Airbus A330-200s, one A330-300, two A340-600s, five A320-200s and one Boeing 777-300ER.