Published on
November 8, 2025
Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines today officially announced a codeshare partnership, also inaugurating a reciprocal loyalty agreement that will greatly improve travel connections for both airlines’ guests while offering added benefits. The partnership was celebrated with an event in Hong Kong, also marking the arrival of Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong International Airport.
Enhanced Travel Flexibility: One Ticket, One Seamless Journey
Under the new codeshare agreement, passengers can now book flights on Hong Kong Airlines between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi under the ‘EY’ code, while passengers flying Etihad Airways can book flights to Japan—including Fukuoka, Hokkaido-Sapporo, Osaka, and Okinawa—on Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights under the ‘HX’ code. This means passengers can enjoy one ticket for the entire journey, single check-in, and automatic baggage transfer, offering greater convenience and efficiency.
The integration of the airlines’ networks further enhances Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway hub, making it easier for travelers from East Asia and Greater China to connect to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As one of the most important transport hubs in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi provides a natural link between Asia and Europe, allowing travelers to seamlessly transit through this strategically located hub with Etihad Airways’ world-class service.
Reciprocal Loyalty Programme: Greater Rewards for Frequent Flyers
Another major highlight of the partnership is the introduction of the reciprocal loyalty programme between Etihad Guest and Fortune Wings Club. Frequent flyers of both airlines will now be able to earn and redeem miles across both networks, further enhancing the value and flexibility of each airline’s loyalty programme.
This collaboration offers passengers more opportunities to earn miles on a wider range of flights and redeem rewards across an expanded network of destinations. Etihad Guest, already a leader in the non-alliance loyalty programme category, continues to strengthen its position by adding Hong Kong Airlines as a key partner, ensuring more global reach and greater rewards for its members.
For travelers, this means increased opportunities to accumulate loyalty points and enjoy a more rewarding travel experience as they explore destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The new partnership also supports the airlines’ commitment to delivering premium services to their most loyal customers, ensuring that travelers enjoy enhanced benefits across both airlines’ networks.
Strengthening Business and Leisure Travel Between the Middle East and East Asia
This codeshare and loyalty collaboration between Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines is designed to meet the growing demand for both business and leisure travel between the Middle East and East Asia. As business ties between the two regions continue to strengthen, the new partnership facilitates seamless connectivity for corporate travelers, while offering tourists greater flexibility when exploring key destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Japan.
The increase in business tourism is complemented by the growing interest in leisure travel, as both Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways cater to tourists eager to explore the cultural, economic, and recreational offerings in both regions. The expanded codeshare network not only makes travel more convenient but also provides opportunities for tourists to enjoy unique cultural experiences across multiple countries in a single trip, strengthening the overall tourism offering of both airlines.
A Stronger Partnership to Drive Tourism, Trade, and Connectivity
The partnership between Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines is more than just a practical collaboration—it represents a broader vision for tourism growth and cultural exchange between East Asia and the Middle East. This development aligns with the airlines’ mutual goal of becoming leading players in the global tourism and business travel markets.
Boye Balogun, CEO of Futuretech Media and Director of Nigeria Everywhere, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This venue represents more than just architecture – it’s a cultural bridge between Africa and the Middle East.” This sentiment resonates with the shared objectives of Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines, as they aim to serve as the cultural and commercial bridge between regions. Their partnership highlights global tourism’s role in driving economic ties and creating new opportunities for collaboration between Asia and the Middle East.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Growth for Both Airlines
This codeshare and loyalty agreement positions Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines as natural leaders in international travel, especially for business and leisure travelers looking to connect seamlessly between the Middle East and East Asia and beyond. The improved frequent-flyer benefits and more connections offered by both airlines represent new milestones in the commercial cooperation between the two carriers, offering passengers more choices, convenience, and richer rewards.
As both airlines continue to innovate and adapt to changing travel demand, this partnership provides a foundation for further growth and deeper collaboration in the future. Merging their networks and loyalty programs will not only benefit travelers but also solidify the positions of each airline as major players in the global aviation market.
