Africa World Airlines Joins Etihad Airways Partnership
Etihad Airways and Africa World Airlines (AWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership covering codeshare and interline services, cargo operations and frequent flyer programmes.
The agreement, signed in Accra, aims to improve connectivity between the airlines’ networks across West Africa, Abu Dhabi and other international destinations.
Once implemented, the partnership will allow Etihad passengers to travel on a single ticket beyond Accra to destinations served by Africa World Airlines across Ghana and West Africa. Similarly, AWA customers will gain access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across Etihad’s network of 118 destinations.
The airlines also plan to collaborate on cargo services, providing Ghanaian and West African exporters with access to Etihad Cargo’s global network. The agreement also includes plans for cooperation between their frequent flyer programmes, enabling members to earn and redeem rewards across both airlines.
The partnership comes as trade, investment and travel between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates continue to grow. Etihad said the collaboration will support stronger commercial links between the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding takes effect from 24 July 2026, with the various areas of cooperation to be introduced in phases. The agreement also supports the launch of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Accra service, scheduled to begin on 24 March 2027. Combined itineraries will become available once the interline agreement is operational.
Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, said Ghana is an important market in West Africa and that the partnership will strengthen passenger, cargo and loyalty services while improving connectivity between Ghana and Etihad’s international network.
Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, said the partnership will expand travel options for AWA customers through Abu Dhabi while supporting cargo connectivity and business opportunities between West Africa and international markets.
Further details of the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty programmes will be announced as the partnership is rolled out.
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