Etihad and STARLUX Codeshare Deal
Etihad Airways has established a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines. This partnership enhances customer access to Northeast Asia and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway between East and West.
Announced at the International Air Transport Association’s Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, the agreement allows Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to major Japanese cities such as Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei. In turn, STARLUX passengers will have direct access to Etihad’s European network through Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways will begin daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei starting on September 7, 2025. These flights will be operated using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This new route establishes the basis for a codeshare partnership and positions Taipei as a key gateway for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia.
Customers booking through etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app will enjoy streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to their final destinations across STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network.
The agreement also creates new opportunities for STARLUX passengers to access European destinations, including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona, via Abu Dhabi. This positions the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers heading to Europe.
Both airlines will initiate joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and set up a reciprocal frequent flyer program by the end of the year, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines’ reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we’re offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.”
Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, said: “Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines’ global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes. As one of the Middle East’s leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognised for its innovation and premium service—values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers.”
The codeshare agreement enhances Etihad’s strategic network expansion, allowing the airline to serve over 90 destinations worldwide. This partnership with STARLUX highlights Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a premium transit destination. Travellers can enjoy world-class facilities at Zayed International Airport and the opportunity to extend their layovers through Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover program.
Codeshare flights can be booked through etihad.com, the Etihad app, and travel partners. Services are expected to commence after regulatory approvals.
Leave a comment