The Air France-KLM Group, Etihad Airways and Air Berlin recently signed new codeshare agreements to stenghten their commercial partnership.

Starting on Oct. 28, the three international air carriers will offer customers more destinations and greater frequency, thanks to the mutual codeshare agreements, the companies said this week in a joint press release.

On the routes between Europe and Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways customers will be able to fly on the Amsterdam-Abu Dhabi daily flight operated by KLM.

Air France customers will travel every day between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways-operated flights.

The code-share agreements also offer new connections through their global gateways.

Air France and KLM will have five destinations in Asia and Australia, while Etihad will have 10 European destinations.

In line with their enhanced partnership, the airlines also announced bilateral codeshare agreements.

Air France and Air Berlin will allow customers of either carrier to fly on all the routes operated by the other between France and Germany.

KLM and Air Berlin have decided to strengthen cooperation on routes connecting the Netherlands and Germany.

“This new partnership between Air France-KLM, Eihad Airways and Air Berlin reflects our group’s strategic positioning to ensure the best possible services in Europe and between European and the rest of the world, by developing our network and airline partnerships,” said Jean-Cyril Spinetta, CEO of Air France-KLM.

“This deal, Etihad Airways’ 40th codeshare, marks a momentous milestone for both airline groups and offers countless opportunities to develop an unrivaled commercial relationship,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO.

“This strategic step will deliver significant benefits to our business and provide our guests with additional interesting opportunities by adding new destinations. We will also strengthen our presence in the French and in the German markets,” said Air Berlin CEO Hartmut Mehdorn.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)