Air Malta and Etihad Airways have expanded their code-share agreement to provide tra-vellers with improved connections between Europe, the GCC region and Australia.

The two airlines extended their partnership to coincide with the recent launch of Etihad Airways’ service between Abu Dhabi and Rome. Air Malta is placing its KM code and flight number on the new route, while Etihad Airways is placing its EY code and flight number on Air Malta’s non-stop service between Rome and Malta.

In addition, Air Malta’s code and flight number will be placed on Etihad Airways’ services from Abu Dhabi to Australia for the first time, covering the UAE carrier’s existing flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Perth, which was launched recently.

The expanded agreement follows the success of Air Malta’s existing code-share on Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, Brussels and Manchester.

Air Malta’s chief executive Louis Giordimaina said: “We are very pleased to enhance our cooperation with Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most important airlines in the Middle East. Both airlines share a firm commitment towards superior service and customer satisfaction, and this agreement will benefit the sizeable Maltese community living in Australia, as it will facilitate travel and connectivity between Malta and Australia.”

President and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan said: “The launch of Etihad Airways’ flights to Rome and Perth has created an exciting opportunity to build upon the success of our code-share agreement with Air Malta. The two airlines have been code-share partners since 2010 and through our expanded cooperation, business and leisure travellers will benefit from improved connections to key destinations around the world.”