Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines Announce Codeshare Partnership

Key Takeaways

• Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines announced a codeshare partnership on June 4, 2025.
• Daily Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei start September 7, 2025.
• The partnership enables coordinated check-in and frequent flyer miles across networks.

Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines have announced a new codeshare partnership, revealed on June 4, 2025, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. This agreement marks a major step in connecting the Middle East and Northeast Asia, offering travelers more choices and smoother journeys between these regions and beyond.

Who is involved? Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, and STARLUX Airlines, a fast-growing carrier based in Taiwan, are the two main players in this partnership.

What is happening? The two airlines are entering a codeshare partnership. This means they will share certain flights, allowing passengers to book tickets on either airline but travel across both networks with a single booking.

When does it start? The partnership was announced on June 4, 2025. The first major route under this agreement—Etihad’s daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei—will begin on September 7, 2025. However, the codeshare flights will only become available for booking after both airlines receive the necessary regulatory approvals.

Where does it matter? The main focus is on flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei, but the partnership will also connect travelers to cities across Japan, Europe, and other parts of Asia.

Why is this important? This partnership will make it easier for people to travel between the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Europe. It also helps both airlines expand their networks and offer more destinations to their customers.

How will it work? Once the codeshare partnership is approved, travelers can book flights on both airlines through their official websites, mobile apps, and travel agents. Passengers will enjoy coordinated check-in, automatic baggage transfers, and the ability to earn and use frequent flyer miles across both networks.

Let’s look deeper into what this means for travelers, the airlines, and the broader aviation industry.

What is a Codeshare Partnership?

A codeshare partnership is an agreement between two or more airlines to share certain flights. This allows one airline to sell seats on a flight operated by another airline, using its own flight number. For travelers, this means:

• Easier booking: You can book a single ticket that covers flights on both airlines.
• Smoother connections: Your bags are checked through to your final destination, even if you change airlines.
• More destinations: You have access to more cities without needing to book separate tickets.

In this case, Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines will share flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei and beyond, making it easier for travelers to reach more places in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Key Benefits for Travelers

For Etihad Airways Customers

Travelers flying with Etihad Airways will gain several new options:

• New Route to Taipei: Starting September 7, 2025, Etihad will fly daily between Abu Dhabi and Taipei using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
• Easy Access to Japan: Through Taipei, Etihad customers can connect to Japanese cities such as Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.
• Single-Ticket Convenience: Bookings can be made directly on etihad.com or the Etihad mobile app, covering the entire journey—even if part of it is on STARLUX Airlines.
• Coordinated Check-In: Passengers can check in once for the whole trip, even if they change airlines.
• Automatic Baggage Transfers: Luggage is automatically transferred to the final destination, reducing the risk of lost bags or missed connections.

For STARLUX Airlines Customers

STARLUX Airlines customers will also see major improvements:

• Direct Access to Europe: By flying to Abu Dhabi, STARLUX passengers can connect to Etihad’s European network, including cities like Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona.
• Simple Booking: Codeshare flights with Etihad Airways can be booked through STARLUX’s official website and sales channels.
• More Choices: The partnership opens up a wider range of destinations for STARLUX customers, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

For All Travelers

• Frequent Flyer Benefits: By the end of 2025, both airlines plan to allow their frequent flyer members to earn and use miles across both networks.
• Joint Marketing: The airlines will launch joint marketing campaigns in Taiwan to promote the new partnership and routes.

How the Partnership Works

The codeshare partnership will only begin after both airlines receive approval from aviation authorities in their respective countries. Once approved, travelers will be able to:

• Book codeshare flights through both airlines’ websites, apps, and travel agents
• Enjoy coordinated check-in and baggage handling
• Earn and use frequent flyer miles on both airlines

This partnership is especially important for travelers who want to visit cities that are not directly served by their chosen airline. For example, a traveler from Abu Dhabi can now book a single ticket to Sapporo, Japan, with a smooth connection in Taipei.

Strategic Importance for Both Airlines

For Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has been working to expand its global network, now serving over 90 destinations worldwide. The new Abu Dhabi-Taipei route is a key part of this strategy, making Taipei a gateway for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia.

• Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Role: The partnership helps position Abu Dhabi as a major transit hub for travelers going between Asia and Europe.
• Expanding Reach: Etihad can now offer its customers more destinations in Japan and other parts of Asia, thanks to STARLUX’s network.
• Premium Service: Etihad is known for its high-quality service, and STARLUX’s reputation for premium travel aligns well with Etihad’s brand.

For STARLUX Airlines

STARLUX Airlines, which started passenger flights in 2020, is quickly building its international presence.

• Second Major Codeshare: This is STARLUX’s second codeshare partnership, following a deal with Alaska Airlines in 2023.
• Access to Europe: The partnership gives STARLUX customers easy access to Europe, a key goal for the airline’s growth.
• Brand Alignment: Both airlines focus on premium service, making the partnership a good fit for their customers.

Executive Perspectives

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said the partnership opens new markets in Northeast Asia and gives Etihad customers access to important Japanese cities through Taipei. He emphasized that STARLUX’s premium service matches Etihad’s standards, offering travelers more choice and convenience across three continents.

Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, called the partnership a major milestone for STARLUX’s global expansion. He highlighted that Etihad is known for innovation and premium service, values that match the STARLUX brand. Liu also mentioned plans to deepen cooperation on frequent flyer programs and premium services.

Future Developments: Loyalty Programs and Marketing

Both airlines have announced plans to:

• Launch Joint Marketing Initiatives: These campaigns will focus on Taiwan, promoting the new partnership and routes.
• Create a Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Program: By the end of 2025, Etihad Guest members and STARLUX’s “Cosmile” members will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines. This means more rewards and benefits for loyal travelers.

STARLUX Airlines: Growth and Expansion

STARLUX Airlines is a relatively new player in the aviation world but is expanding quickly:

• Current Network: 32 routes across 27 destinations, mostly in Asia and North America.
• Recent U.S. Expansion: Started flights to Ontario, California on June 2, 2025, with four weekly flights. Other U.S. destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
• Upcoming Routes: Plans to launch flights to Phoenix in February 2026.
• Regional Focus: Strong presence in Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, and Southeast Asia, as well as flights from Taichung in central Taiwan.
• Industry Recognition: Joined IATA in December 2023, showing its commitment to international standards.

Etihad Airways: Network and Service

Etihad Airways continues to grow its global network:

• Over 90 Destinations: The airline serves cities across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
• New Taipei Route: The Abu Dhabi-Taipei route, starting September 7, 2025, will use Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, known for comfort and efficiency.
• Premium Transit Experience: Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport offers world-class facilities, and Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover program lets travelers extend their layovers to explore the city.

Why This Partnership Matters for Immigration and Travel

For many travelers, especially those moving between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe for work, study, or family reasons, this partnership brings several important benefits:

• Easier Travel Planning: Immigrants, international students, and business travelers can book single tickets for complex journeys, reducing stress and confusion.
• Better Connections: More direct routes and smoother transfers mean less time spent in airports and fewer missed connections.
• Access to More Destinations: People can reach smaller cities in Japan or Europe without needing to book multiple tickets or switch airlines.
• Frequent Flyer Rewards: Travelers who fly often for immigration, work, or study can earn and use miles across both airlines, saving money and enjoying extra perks.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, codeshare partnerships like this one are especially helpful for people who need to travel long distances for immigration purposes. They make it easier to visit family, attend school, or start new jobs in different countries.

What Travelers Should Know

If you’re planning to travel between the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Europe, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Check for Codeshare Flights: Once the partnership is approved, look for flights that combine Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines. These will offer the smoothest connections.
• Book Through Official Channels: Use the airlines’ official websites or trusted travel agents to make sure you get the full benefits of the codeshare partnership.
• Frequent Flyer Programs: If you’re a member of Etihad Guest or STARLUX’s Cosmile, watch for updates about earning and using miles on both airlines.
• Regulatory Approval: The partnership is still waiting for final approval from aviation authorities. Check the airlines’ websites for the latest updates before booking.

For more information about international travel and immigration requirements, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page, which provides official guidance for travelers worldwide.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Immigrants and International Students

• Simpler Journeys: Those moving to a new country for work or study can book one ticket for the whole trip, even if it involves multiple airlines.
• Less Stress: Coordinated check-in and baggage handling mean fewer worries about lost bags or missed connections.
• More Choices: Access to more cities makes it easier to find flights that fit your needs and budget.

For Employers and Businesses

• Easier Employee Mobility: Companies can move staff between offices in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe more easily.
• Better Travel Options: More flight choices can help businesses save time and money on travel.

For the Airlines

• Network Growth: Both Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines can offer more destinations without having to operate every route themselves.
• Brand Strengthening: Working together helps both airlines build their reputations for premium service and global reach.

Conclusion: What’s Next?

The codeshare partnership between Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines is set to reshape travel between the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Europe. With new routes, smoother connections, and expanded frequent flyer benefits, travelers will have more options and a better experience.

As the partnership moves forward, keep an eye on official announcements from both airlines for updates on booking, frequent flyer programs, and new destinations. Whether you’re traveling for immigration, business, or leisure, this partnership promises to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.

For the latest updates on airline partnerships and how they affect international travel and immigration, stay informed through trusted sources and official airline websites.

Learn Today

Codeshare Partnership → An agreement where airlines share flights, allowing one to sell seats on another’s operated flight under their own flight number.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft used by Etihad for comfortable, long-haul flights such as Abu Dhabi to Taipei.
Frequent Flyer Program → A loyalty scheme where passengers earn miles for flights to redeem rewards across participating airlines.
Coordinated Check-In → A system allowing passengers to check in once for flights on multiple airlines within a codeshare agreement.
Regulatory Approval → Official permission from aviation authorities required for airlines to operate codeshare flights legally.

This Article in a Nutshell

Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines formed a codeshare partnership in 2025, connecting Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Europe with smoother travel and expanded destinations. Their collaboration offers seamless booking, baggage handling, and loyalty benefits, starting with Abu Dhabi-Taipei flights, enhancing choices for global travelers and strengthening aviation ties.
— By VisaVerge.com