The German appeals court in Lueneburg, Germany has overturned an earlier decision and allowed the continuation for 26 of 31 requested codeshare flights to continue for the entire winter schedule for Air Berlin and United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Etihad Airways.
Etihad Airways has a stake in the German carrier Air Berlin
The court definitively ruled that 26 of the 31 code shares are lawful. Together with the other 50 approved codeshares with Air Berlin, 76 of the 81 codeshares are now approved once and for all, that is 94 per cent of the codeshares applied for.
The other five codeshares are on German domestic routes.
The court’s interpretation of the UAE-Germany Air Services Agreement also means that Etihad Airways will be able to continue with all those codeshares beyond the Winter Schedule.
Speaking on the development, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said, “We are pleased with the ruling which confirms 94 per cent of Etihad Airways’ codeshares. This ruling is a victory for consumers and competition in Germany.”
He continued, “We remain strongly committed to our strategic partner, Air Berlin, and will redouble our efforts to provide a strong competitive alternative to the dominant German carrier, Lufthansa. We would like to encourage German consumers to support Air Berlin and its 8,000 staff, who have been seriously damaged by this sustained attack on their business.”
Besides Air Berlin Etihad Airways holds equity investments in Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional. Etihad Airways, along with Air Berlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI.
Culled From: http://www.eturbonews.com/67583/etihad-winner-german-court-battle-over-air-berlin-codeshare-agre
