Strategic partners Etihad Airways and Air France have announced a number of new codeshare destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe for summer 2013.

The expansion of codeshare services follows last October’s strategic agreement between the respective national carriers to foster closer commercial ties, build an expanded global network, and deliver unrivalled travel options for customers.e routes from Paris-CDG to Bordeaux, Copenhagen, Madrid, Nice and Toulouse.

Subject to further regulatory approvals, Etihad Airways expects to be able to place its EY code soon on Air France flights between Paris-CDG, Lisbon and Marseilles. The UAE flag carrier flies twice daily between Abu Dhabi and Paris.

Air France is placing its AF code on Etihad Airways’ daily flights from Abu Dhabi to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and to two cities in Australia – Melbourne and Sydney. The French carrier expects to be able to place its AF code shortly on Etihad Airways services between Singapore and Brisbane.

Furthermore and subject to regulatory approvals, Air France foresees placing its AF code on routes between Abu Dhabi and Kathmandu.

The airline already places its AF code on Etihad Airways’ operated flights between Paris-CDG and Abu Dhabi, and onwards to Colombo, Mahé (Seychelles) and Male (Maldives).

Dominique Patry, Vice President International Affairs and Alliances at Air France said: “Our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways continues to flourish and, as a result of the expansion of codeshare services, our travellers now have enhanced access to Abu Dhabi and to key cities in Africa, Australia Asia and Europe.”

Kevin Knight, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Etihad Airways, said:  “Enhancing connectivity, making the journey easier and more enjoyable, increasing choice, and seamlessly integrating operations over each airline’s respective hub, continues to underpin our strategy for building a world-class global network.”

In addition to the codeshare with Air France, Etihad Airways has 42 other codeshare agreements in place with airlines across the world. Codeshare partnerships, along with equity acquisitions and organic growth, form the three pillars of Etihad Airways’ expansion plans.