Emirates and Etihad Airlines have signed a joint agreement to share security-related information. The carriers are major competitors in the UAE and beyond, as they have a developed international aviation network. Emirates is owned by the government in Dubai and Etihad is owned by Abu Dhabi – two cities located 128 km away from each other.
The contract was signed by Emirates President Tim Clark and Etihad’s new CEO Tony Douglas. Earlier, Clark told that his company is ready to work more closely with its rival.
The cooperation between carriers is understandable as they face common challenges – the US and the European Union (EU) are campaigning for their investigation into allegations that they have received unlawful state subsidies. Other obstacles include overcapacity, security threats, and declines in regional travel.
Under today’s agreement, the Emirates Security Unit, Emirates Group Security, will have to provide security and training programs to Etihad.
Emirates is the largest carrier in the Middle East. At the same time, the younger Etihad spent billions, trying to catch up with the difference by buying stakes in dozens of smaller companies around the world. Two of its largest investments – Air Berlin and Alitalia – declared bankruptcy last year, contributing to Etihad’s indebtedness in 2016 – something that had not happened since 2010.
Emirates began last year to develop closer links with another airline owned by the Dubai authorities – flydubai.
