Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a connected air-rail travel experience across the UAE, bringing together the country’s two flagship transport networks under a shared mobility agenda.
The agreement sets out a series of areas for joint exploration. A dedicated shuttle service between Zayed International Airport and Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Station is one of the priorities, intended to give arriving and departing passengers a direct link to the national railway network.
The two organisations will also look at combining air and rail bookings into a single experience, along with station-based passenger services designed to smooth the handover between modes.
“Etihad Airways plays a unique role in bringing millions of visitors to Abu Dhabi each year and our partnership with Etihad Rail reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global destination. Through this partnership with Etihad Rail, we will explore new opportunities to link air travel with destinations across the UAE, supporting tourism growth, creating greater convenience for travellers and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic development,” Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways said in a statement.
“Under the vision and guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the country continues to develop an integrated national transport system that keeps pace with its comprehensive development journey and supports its future ambitions, recognising that the future of transport lies in the integration of different modes of mobility. Since the launch of passenger rail services earlier this year, Etihad Rail has continued to strengthen the role of the national railway network in connecting cities and regions across the UAE, while providing a smoother mobility experience for residents and visitors. Our partnership with Etihad Airways represents a further step towards strengthening integration between rail and aviation, supporting the growth of the tourism sector, economic diversification and sustainable development across the UAE,” Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Rail added.
The MoU stops short of confirming any specific services or timelines. What it does establish is a formal structure for the two operators to develop what both describe as an integrated mobility ecosystem, with Abu Dhabi as the central gateway.
