Etihad Airways will provide Saudi-based air travellers with greater access to its expanding global network, following the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Saudi Arabian Airlines on flights between Dammam and Abu Dhabi.

The deal, which came into effect on February 15, will also see Etihad introduce four new flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, said an airline official.

Geert Boven, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president sales and services, said: “This agreement not only increases the number of weekly flights between Dammam and Abu Dhabi but also provides Saudi travellers with much more convenient connections onto our popular destinations.'

“By entering into codeshare agreements like this, we continue to attract more air travellers onto our network where they can sample our award-winning products and services.”

Etihad currently operates 28 services a week from its Abu Dhabi home base to Saudi Arabia including thirteen flights to Dammam, seven to Jeddah and eight to Riyadh.

The airline started flights to Dammam – its first commercial service to Saudi Arabia – on December 21, 2004.

Etihad currently has six other codeshare agreements with SN Brussels Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines and Middle East Airlines and UK-based airline, bmi.-TradeArabia News Service