Etihad Airways is to provide Saudi-based air travellers with greater access to its expanding global network, following the signing of a new code share 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.

The agreement increases the number of weekly return flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam from nine to 13 and comes as Etihad and Saudi Arabian Airlines seek to strengthen their relationship.

“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,” said Etihad Airways’ executive vice-president, sales and services, Geert Boven.

“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,” he added.

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.

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