Pilotcenter.net News recently reported that Etihad has made an exciting joint venture agreement with China Eastern, marking a significant milestone in aviation. The announcement was made during the prestigious Arabian Travel Market event on April 30, 2025. This collaboration comes hot on the heels of China Eastern's maiden flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport on April 28, 2025, kicking off with four weekly flights that will ramp up to a daily frequency from September 12, 2025.

The joint venture signifies a new era of cooperation between the two airlines, as members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programs will now have the opportunity to earn and utilize miles on both airlines' extensive global networks. This partnership not only strengthens the longstanding relationship between the UAE and China but also offers travelers more seamless connections to various destinations in both regions.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “The official launch of our Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for the future of both the UAE and China. By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programs, we’re not only expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, but also setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation, innovation, and shared success across our markets.”

This groundbreaking agreement between a Middle Eastern and a Chinese airline sets a precedent for future aviation partnerships, encompassing codeshare flights, joint marketing campaigns, and elevating customer experiences to new heights. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative collaboration reshapes the skies in the days to come!