The agreement will take effect from 15 September 2007, when Etihad Airways suspends flights on its Colombo route.

Etihad passengers will fly SriLankan Airlines to or from Abu Dhabi, with both airlines jointly marketing the destination.

“This strategic agreement with Sri Lankan Airlines extends the number of destinations we offer and the airline’s high standards of service will be enjoyed by our customers,” said Charles Phelps-Penry, regional general manager Asia Pacific, Etihad Airways.

SriLankan Airlines daily flights to Abu Dhabi will accommodate traffic from Etihad’s three flights a week service to and from Colombo.

“SriLankan Airlines flight frequencies to Abu Dhabi will remain the same initially but will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that we meet demand in the market,” said Manoj Gunawardena, head of worldwide passenger sales for the SriLankan carrier.

“The agreement with Etihad Airways will strengthen our services into and out of the Middle East, an important market for SriLankan Airlines, while achieving operational efficiencies for both partners,” Gunawardena said.

“This is our first codeshare with Etihad and we are happy to support Etihad on their Colombo routes.”

SriLankan Airlines, the country’s national carrier, offers services to 51 destinations in 28 countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Date posted: 03-Sep-07.