Abu Dhabi, Oct 8 (IANS/WAM): The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) flagship carrier, Etihad Airways, Wednesday unveiled Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand which brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

The airline said that in the initial phase, six airlines would participate in the new partnership, including airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, India’s Jet Airways, and Darwin Airline.

Etihad Airways said that any airline can become an Etihad Airways partner even if it is part of an existing alliance, such as airberlin, which is a member of oneworld.

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

"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,” James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, 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 travellers around the world, and to increasingly harmonise standards in the air and on the ground," he added

Hogan went on to say that Etihad Airways Partners differed from legacy airline alliances by offering benefits well beyond pure commercial cooperation.

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

"Frequent flyers will benefit from the formation of Etihad Airways Partners as it will remove the complexity and confusion that exists within global alliances," he added.

Etihad Airways Partners will also have access to economies of scale and operational synergies such as centres 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.