Etihad Airways and Germany's Condor have deepened their strategic partnership with a new frequent flyer agreement and the launch of a Condor-operated route linking Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, the UAE carrier announced on Thursday.

The agreement was signed during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro and marks the latest expansion of a partnership first announced in December 2025. Under the new arrangement, members of Etihad Guest, the Abu Dhabi-based airline's loyalty programme, will be able to redeem miles on Condor-operated flights across its international network.

The airlines also announced that Condor will introduce a new Bangkok-Abu Dhabi service, adding to its planned daily flights from Frankfurt and Berlin to the UAE capital. The Bangkok route will become the third destination in Condor's developing Abu Dhabi operation.

Etihad said the expanded cooperation is intended to strengthen connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia while providing passengers with a broader range of travel options through Abu Dhabi. The partnership already includes a codeshare agreement and covers areas such as network planning, loyalty programmes, commercial cooperation, and operational coordination.

"Our partnership with Condor has rapidly evolved into an important strategic relationship that is delivering value for both airlines, our guests, and Abu Dhabi," said Arik De, Etihad's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.

"The addition of Bangkok to Condor's growing Abu Dhabi operation marks another significant step forward, building on the upcoming Frankfurt and Berlin services and creating new opportunities for connectivity between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East," he said.

De added that the loyalty agreement would allow Etihad Guest members to access more destinations across Condor's network while laying the groundwork for closer cooperation in the future.

Condor Commercial Director and Executive Committee member Jens Boyd said the partnership was creating "real added value" for customers by improving connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

"Together, we are providing our guests with even more travel options and flexibility," Boyd said.

The partnership combines Condor's strong position in Germany's leisure travel market with Etihad's expanding global network through Abu Dhabi. Etihad said travellers flying on Condor's future Abu Dhabi routes will gain access to onward connections across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia, including destinations such as Zanzibar and Salalah.

With Frankfurt, Berlin, and Bangkok services scheduled to join Condor's Abu Dhabi network, both carriers are expected to continue exploring additional opportunities for cooperation as demand for international travel remains strong across key long-haul markets.

Source: PR