DALLAS — The UAE’s flag carrier, Etihad Airways (EY), and Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana (KC), have introduced a new bilateral codeshare partnership. 

The agreement, which will come into effect on December 5, 2024, will increase convenience for both airlines’ passengers. They can fly under a single booking and have their baggage transferred automatically, removing the need for a self-transfer and having to check in again. 

EY’s passengers can fly to ten destinations new to Etihad’s extended network on KC-operated flights via the airlines’ Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ) hubs.

In return, KC’s passengers will gain access to Etihad-operated flights to Oman, India, and Bahrain while transiting through AUH. 

Air Astana is due to launch flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) from ALA on December 12, 2024. It recently started flying between AUH and NQZ on October 30, 2024, with its Airbus A321LR operating on both routes.

Comments from Etihad, Air Astana Officials

Jurriaan Stelder, VP Alliances and Industry Affairs at Etihad, said, "This partnership expands our codeshare network, offering our guests convenient access to 10 of Air Astana’s leisure and business destinations across Kazakhstan, as well as Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's vibrant capital, and Tashkent, the historic capital of Uzbekistan."

Air Astana’s VP of Marketing & Sales, Zhanna Shayakhmetova, said the airline was “excited to partner with Etihad Airways, offering our passengers enhanced travel options and convenient access to a broader network."

The VP added, "This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing passengers with exceptional and comfortable travel options while maintaining the highest standards of service and safety. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board following this partnership.”