Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines have expanded their long-standing partnership with a new codeshare and loyalty collaboration, announced in Hong Kong on 4 November 2025. The agreement coincided with Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong International Airport, marking another milestone in its global network expansion.
Under this agreement, Hong Kong Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi are now bookable under Etihad’s ‘EY’ code, while Etihad passengers can access Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights to Fukuoka, Osaka, Okinawa, and Hokkaido–Sapporo under the ‘HX’ code.
This codeshare allows passengers to enjoy a seamless one-ticket journey, including single check-in, coordinated baggage transfer, and synchronized flight schedules. The partnership strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a key transit hub linking Greater China and Japan with destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Expanding Rewards and Loyalty Benefits
Beyond network connectivity, the two airlines have introduced a reciprocal loyalty programme that integrates Etihad Guest and Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club. Members will soon be able to earn and redeem miles across both carriers’ networks, unlocking a wider range of travel benefits and redemption opportunities.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said,
“This partnership delivers meaningful value to Etihad Guest members through expanded earn-and-redeem access across Hong Kong Airlines’ network. It highlights our commitment to offering flexibility, greater reach, and superior rewards.”
Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, described the deal as a milestone in the airline’s international comeback.
“The expansion of our codeshare and launch of a reciprocal loyalty programme reflect our vision to strengthen connectivity and customer experience. It sets the foundation for deeper collaboration between our airlines.”
A Decade of Partnership, A Future of Integration
Etihad and Hong Kong Airlines first signed a codeshare agreement in 2014, and have since maintained a strong commercial relationship. The new expansion comes at a time when travel demand between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Hong Kong, and Japan is rapidly rising.
Li noted that Abu Dhabi plays a vital role in connecting Hong Kong to emerging trade and tourism markets in the Middle East, providing travellers with access to new destinations and experiences.
The collaboration also reinforces Etihad’s strategy to build non-alliance global partnerships that expand its network reach and loyalty ecosystem. It complements Etihad’s existing cooperation with Hainan Airlines, further cementing its position as one of the world’s most flexible airline loyalty networks.
Enhanced Connectivity for the Modern Traveller
With the new codeshare and loyalty integration, travellers can expect improved convenience, expanded routes, and richer benefits across both airlines. From business flyers traveling between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo to leisure travellers connecting through Hong Kong, the partnership brings more seamless options than ever before.
This collaboration represents the modern airline approach — one driven by data integration, passenger experience, and loyalty synergy, delivering enhanced travel across continents.
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