Etihad Airways and American Airlines have announced details of a proposed new codeshare agreement which, if it receives regulatory approval from the US government, will pave the way for closer commercial cooperation between the two airlines.

Etihad Airways has launched its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to the Greek capital, Athens. A high level delegation attended the launch which included the Greek Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Dionyssios Zois as well as representatives from Etihad Airways’ senior management team.

The development of political, economic, cultural and tourism bonds between the UAE and Turkey will be further enhanced with the launch of Etihad Airways’ new flights to Istanbul from Monday 1 June.

Etihad Airways has launched weekly flights to the Kazakhstan capital, Astana, from its Abu Dhabi home base.Astana is the second destination in Kazakhstan to be served by Etihad and the airline’s 52nd across its expanding global flight network.

Etihad Airways has unveiled plans to launch its own destination management company to provide a range of leisure and business activities for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.The national carrier for the UAE is currently in discussion with local tourism partners, with the new company set to support the development and enhancement of the capital’s tourism infrastructure.

Etihad Airways has announced plans to increase its passenger numbers by 15% in 2009 to a total of seven million.The airline will expand its global flight network to 55 destinations during the year as well as grow its fleet to more than 50 aircraft. A total of 900 weekly Etihad flights will operate this summer, a 20% rise on the 750 weekly flights which operated during the same season in 2008.