Etihad expands African network with new partnership

Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new interline partnership, codeshare agreement and frequent flyer partnership with Fastjet Zimbabwe. The collaboration will enhance connectivity giving guests access to destinations currently flown by both airlines, on a single ticketing system. The agreement was signed in Harare on 7 July 2026, with sales available from 24 August 2026.
Under the partnership, guests travelling on Etihad can connect onward on Fastjet Zimbabwe to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and to Johannesburg, combining both airlines on a single ticket. The partnership builds on Etihad’s upcoming direct service between Abu Dhabi and Harare, launching on 24 March 2027, extending the airline’s reach beyond the Zimbabwean capital to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and giving guests across Etihad’s network a simple way to reach them.
For Fastjet Zimbabwe, the partnership also opens the door to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s wider global network. Those making a stay in the UAE capital will find a city that rewards slowing down, from the Corniche and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat to the quiet of the desert beyond the city, with up to two complimentary hotel nights through the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme.
Fastjet Zimbabwe will become Etihad Guest’s 32nd airline partner, with guests in the future enjoying frequent flyer benefits across both airlines.
Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, said: “Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests. From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation.”
Donahue Cortes, Fastjet Zimbabwe Business CEO & Country Head, said, “This marks the beginning of what we believe will be a significant partnership. We are delighted to be working alongside Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, exploring opportunities to improve connectivity, broaden travel options for our customers and further strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with key international markets.”
Hahnair signs 10 new airlines as partners
Hahnair continues to grow its global partner network, welcoming 10 new mobility partners added since January 2026. Seven of the new partners now extend their indirect sales reach to non-BSP markets via an interline agreement with Hahnair, while three partners chose Hahnair’s X1-Air solution to enable distribution via all major GDSs under the system code X1. Among the additions is Brightline, a Florida-based rail company and Hahnair’s second rail partner, alongside the British high-speed rail operator Eurostar.
“Our partners benefit from truly global distribution solutions designed to generate incremental revenue,” says Adriana C. Carrelli, Vice President Airline Business, Hahnair. “Hahnair is the only provider of airline distribution solutions offering connectivity across all major GDSs and BSPs, as well as ARC and TCH, money repatriation services, fraud prevention, and interline opportunities with a network of more than 350 partner airlines. With over 25 years of industry experience, we position ourselves as a long-term growth partner, providing the right solution for any distribution set-up.”
Kimberley Long, Vice President Agency Distribution, Hahnair, adds: “From the beginning, we have been a strong partner for the travel trade. We understand how travel agencies operate, where challenges arise, and how to support them, backed by services such as 24/7 support. We value our close relationships with travel consultants, TMC and OTAs worldwide and are committed to supporting their business growth with every new partner added to the Hahnair network.”
New partners added in 2026 (YTD) at a glance
Available in selected GDSs under their own IATA code:

Air Chathams (3C), New Zealand
Badr Airlines (J4), Sudan
BermudAir (2T), Bermuda
Brightline (BE), United States
Contour Aviation (LF), United States
Fanjet Express Limited (7F), Kenya
HiSky Europe (H4), Romania

Available in all major GDSs under the code X1:

Aero Nomad Airlines (KA), Kyrgyzstan
Skåne Aviation AB (1SK), Sweden
Sola Air (1SA), Sweden

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