Gulf carrier Etihad Airways has kicked off its landmark Joint Venture with China Eastern Airlines.
The airlines marked the launch with a ceremony held at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week.
The launch follows the arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on 28 April.
This service operates four weekly flights before increasing to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025.
Building upon the launch of the JV, the two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes.
Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles can earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ respective global networks.
The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational.
This JV enables more seamless travel between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE as well as across the Middle East and Africa regions.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad, said: “The Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for both the UAE and China.”
“By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, and setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation.”
The partnership is the first joint venture between a Middle Eastern and a Chinese airline.
Wan Qingchao, EVP of China Eastern, said: “The launch of the Shanghai-Abu Dhabi route and the implementation of the joint business cooperation are key achievements in advancing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative.”
The new China Eastern flight to Abu Dhabi is flown on A330 aircraft.
