What does this new partnership mean for me?
As an Etihad customer, you will see  many benefits from our partnership with airberlin. Since 15 January, we  introduced codesharing between our airlines, adding 36 additional codeshare destinations to the Etihad network and 24 additional codeshare destinations to airberlin’s network. This means tens of millions of customers of both of our airlines now have a wide range of new choices.

Etihad Guest members will also be able to ‘earn and burn’ on airberlin’s services. This means that when you travel on an airberlin flight, you will earn miles on your Etihad Guest account – and you will also have the option of redeeming miles against airberlin services.
 
Over the coming weeks we will also be seeking regulatory permission for greater coordination of services, of our route networks and of our marketing activities, extending the choices available to all our customers.

What are the immediate changes that might affect me?
For customers with pre-existing bookings, either through Etihad, airberlin or any of our codeshare partners, there is no immediate change. Flight bookings, frequent flyer benefits and lounge access all remain the same for the immediate future.

Why is Etihad Airways doing this?
It’s all about choice. With this partnership, we are increasing the choices available to our customers, adding 36 codeshare destinations to our network.

At Etihad, we have developed many partnerships over the last eight years and through our codeshare relationships, we already offer more destinations than any other Middle Eastern airline. With this airberlin partnership, that choice increases even more.

Will all airberlin and Etihad Airways routes be codeshared?
Our aim is to codeshare on as many routes as we are able, subject to regulatory approval. On some routes, the national regulations governing air travel mean that we are not able to code share.

What difference does a codeshare mean for me?
It means you will be able to select travel to a wider range of destinations, with one booking and one fare. For Etihad customers, this means a massive choice of new destinations in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, as well as through to the United States and the Caribbean.

I currently have a booking on airberlin’s Berlin–Dubai service in two months, but I understand it will now go to Abu Dhabi.  How will I get to Dubai?
If you have a booking on this service, airberlin will be contacting you directly about your travel arrangements. But please do not worry – Dubai is only a short journey from Abu Dhabi, in one our regular luxury coach or limousine services.

What is happening with Etihad Guest and airberlin’s frequent flyer program?
Members of each frequent flyer program will be able to ‘earn and burn’ on the other airline’s services. So if you are an Etihad Guest member, when you travel on an airberlin flight, you will earn miles on your Etihad Guest account – and you will also have the option of redeeming miles against airberlin services.

Will I earn the same rate of miles?
The earning rate will be as per the operating carrier’s rules. For example, an Etihad Guest member flying on an airberlin flight will earn Etihad Guest miles at the same rate as a topbonus member would earn points on the same flight.

How is this partnership different from other codeshare relationships?
We are developing a long-term strategic partnership with airberlin, signified by our decision to invest in an equity stake in the airline.  We will become airberlin’s largest single shareholder and together we will develop a series of new customer service initiatives, new destinations and business efficiencies.

We are also really excited that airberlin began its Berlin-Abu Dhabi service on 15 January 2012.

When do the services go on sale?
Etihad passengers have been able to purchase tickets on airberlin services since 15 January 2012.

Is group travel affected on these services?
Customers and travel agents will be able to make group bookings with either airline via specialised group bookings teams.