中文标题：联合五家航空公司 阿提哈德航空成立航空联盟

From left: CEO Darwin Airline Maurizio Merlo, airberlin CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Etihad president and CEO James Hogan, Jet Airways CEO Cramer Ball, Air Serbia CEO Dane Kondi? and Air Seychelles CEO Manoj Papa launch Etihad Airways Partners. Courtesy, Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has launched a new brand that envelops Etihad and five of its partner airlines in a group that will synchronize schedules and frequent flyer benefits in a similar way to the three global alliances.

Etihad Airways Partners will initially include Etihad Airways, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, India’s Jet Airways and Darwin Airline, Etihad announced Wednesday. 

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has equity stakes in each of those partner carriers. In a statement, however, it said any airline can become an Etihad Airways Partner even if it is part of an existing alliance. Airberlin is a member of oneworld.

The key emphasis for Etihad Airways Partners is a strong commercial partnership and shared values, Etihad said.

"We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines, which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other," Etihad president and CEO James Hogan said.

"The Etihad Airways Partners logo is a seal of excellence and global cooperation. It will be displayed on aircraft and on branded materials by a group of airlines working together to connect travelers around the world, and increasingly to harmonize standards in the air and on the ground.

"The potential for network alignment to maximize flight connectivity for passengers, together with a shared passion for superior service, are central to the ethos of the Etihad Airways Partner concept," he said.

Benefits will include standardized mileage and tier benefits across all partners, no blackout periods and priority services, Etihad said.

Etihad Airways Partners will also have access to economies of scale and operational synergies such as centers of excellence, shared sales teams in certain destinations, joint procurement of services and supplies, and shared pilot and cabin crew training at the Etihad Airways facilities in Abu Dhabi.（Karen Walker ）