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Etihad Airways and Virgin Blue today announced a comprehensive interline agreement which will provide travellers, and presumably air cargo, with seamless connectivity to 22 Australian cities and from Brisbane and Sydney to Abu Dhabi and beyond.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said, “The closer cooperation with Virgin Blue will enhance significantly the travel experience and potential destinations for Etihad customers flying to Australia.
“Etihad strives to make as many global destinations available to our customers whether it is opening up new routes of our own or through strategic agreements with other airlines.”
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said,“The new interline partnership means Virgin Blue Guests who also choose to book international travel with Etihad can travel from anywhere on our network to any of Etihad’s 45 international destinations with ease.”
Etihad launched its daily service from Abu Dhabi to Sydney in March 2007, which was followed in September by the opening of its three flights a week servicing the Brisbane.
The Sydney route has proved such a success, with more than 60,000 passengers flying on the sector since its launch, that in March 2008 Etihad will increase the service to 11 flights a week.