Etihad Airways has confirmed it will establish a codeshare relationship with Air New Zealand on services between Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow will also be linked into the airlines’ global network under the terms of the deal.

Etihad Airways will code share on Air New Zealand trans-Tasman and domestic services.

“This arrangement with Etihad Airways further extends connectivity options for our customers through to Europe as well as providing opportunities to further grow passenger numbers for our trans-Tasman and domestic services,” said Air New Zealand chief executive Officer Rob Fyfe.

Air New Zealand recently singed a codeshare deal with Virgin Atlantic while also acquiring a stake in Virgin Blue.

The latest codeshare will also integrate Air New Zealand Airpoints and Etihad’s Etihad Guest loyalty programmes, enabling customers to earn and spend on each other’s flights.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer said: “This opens up five key destinations in New Zealand that we have been eager to offer to our customers for a long time and we are certain the connections and seamless flight experience offered by Etihad and Air New Zealand will appeal to business and leisure travellers.”

The code share flights are expected to be on sale from the end of February for travel from the end of March following relevant government approvals.

Etihad was last year recognised as the World’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards.