Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail Sign Deal to Link Air and Rail Travel

The UAE-based carrier Etihad Airways has entered into a MoU with Etihad Rail to discuss a strategic partnership between the airline and railway sectors in the UAE.

The project is expected to facilitate the seamless integration of Etihad flights into the country’s growing national railway network and hence boost connectivity for Dubai’s international visitors and UAE residents.

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Integrated Air and Rail Booking Under Study

One of the most central objectives of the partnership is getting a unified booking experience. Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail are exploring the technical solutions needed to enable a seamless integration of both modes of transportation in one booking.

It will serve the purpose of facilitating travelers’ journey from Abu Dhabi to other parts of the UAE which means that they can keep travelling to other destinations without having to book other transportation services.

The proposed integration is part of a bigger trend of “connections” in transportation, which involves the use of both transport systems as a single passenger service.

Airport Shuttle Connection Planned

The firms are also looking into providing specific shuttles between Zayed International Airport and Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Station.

It could allow direct transfer between the airport and the national railway system, benefitting passengers. For those who travel abroad, this might make it easier to travel onward and will minimise the need to organise car hire after they arrive in Abu Dhabi.

The Airport to Station connection is thus a significant component of the overall development of the nation’s rail network and connecting aviation infrastructure.

Supporting UAE Tourism and Mobility

The collaboration may also help to support the UAE’s tourism goals by streamlining travel between Emirates.

On arrival one could be transferred to other trains for further travel, providing other opportunities to explore the region beyond Abu Dhabi.

Greater synergy between air and rail may give an additional possibility to plan domestic and international trips, especially in situations where they need to combine modes of transport.

Strengthening the National Transport Network

The agreement has been reached as passenger services are ongoing on the national railway system in UAE. The proximity of the operators of aviation and rail could help achieve the country’s priority of integrated and sustainable transport.

The proposed cooperation also offers opportunities for developing interoperable station infrastructure, ticketing and station connections for improved passenger services for both Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail.

The terms of the MoU outline the development of these initiatives as a framework, the exact nature of the services and when the implementation will commence will be dependent on continued technical and commercial discussions.

FAQs

What did Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail sign?

Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail companies as they entered into a MOU to discuss cooperation in the field of air and rail transportation services in the UAE.

Which airport and train station could the connection be made?

The collaboration is looking into providing special shuttle services from Zayed International Airport to Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Station.

How could the partnership benefit tourists?

ET has also suggested an integrated air-rail link between Abu Dhabi and other destinations which could facilitate citizens from abroad to resume their travel in another mode from the UAE.