Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and Scandinavian carrier SAS are entering a strategic codeshare agreement to facilitate seamless passenger transfer across each other’s networks.
The deal follows the launch of Etihad’s nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Copenhagen (CPH) on October 1, 2023.
Passengers can check-in bags and book a single ticket for itineraries including a connection at each of the respective hub airports. This will facilitate, for example, that travelers flying from Abu Dhabi connect at Copenhagen on onward flights to other destinations across Scandinavia, such as Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Bergen, and Aarhus, likewise for passengers connecting at Abu Dhabi on Etihad flights across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Members of the respective frequent flyer programs, Etihad Guest and SAS Eurobonus, will also be able to earn miles for segments flown with the other carrier when on a combined itinerary.
The codeshare will come into effect from late December 2023 for direct bookings and from January 2024 for distribution through travel agents.
The Etihad-SAS codeshare mimics some aspects of a deal made earlier this year between Qatar Airways and Finnair to provide increased connectivity between the Nordics and the Gulf region.