Etihad and Air New Zealand agree codeshare deal

Holidaymakers taking flights to New Zealand and Australia could benefit from a new codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand.

The new partnership means that Etihad will be able to codeshare on Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Rotorua.

Air New Zealand will also be able to share services on Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia.

Rob Fyfe, Air New Zealand's chief executive officer, explained the codesharing will increase passenger numbers on domestic flights as well as allow expansion into the Middle East market.

Etihad chief executive James Hogan added: "This opens up five key destinations in New Zealand that we have been eager to offer to our customers for a long time and we are certain the connections and seamless flight experience offered by Etihad and Air New Zealand will appeal to business and leisure travellers."

Last year, Air New Zealand was voted Favourite Long-Haul Leisure Airline in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Awards.