Etihad launches appeal to German court over Air Berlin code-share ruling

The UAE’s flag carrier, Etihad Airways, will appeal against a German court ruling that barred it from jointly selling tickets for some routes operated by Air Berlin, the airline said in a statement on December 30. The agreement had allowed Air Berlin to offer long-haul service and, at the same time, gave Etihad valuable access to German air hubs.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad – which owns 29% of Air Berlin – said it plans to appeal the decision.

“Etihad Airways is deeply disappointed by the German court’s decision”, said James Hogan, Etihad’s CEO.

A German court rejected an effort by Etihad Airways to prolong a seat-sales sharing accord with Air Berlin Plc on 31 routes during the winter schedule, a potential setback to the German carrier’s struggle to return to profit.

This means that the Abu Dhabi airline will not be able to sell tickets on these 29 flights from January 16 until late March when the winter season ends.

Hogan said that the carrier was working to ensure that no traveller would suffer as a result of the dispute, and said that all bookings would be honoured. However, the German government says some of the routes aren’t covered by an aviation agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

In the summer of 2014, the German Ministry of Transport raised concerns about 29 of the codeshares, based on lobbying by Lufthansa, and in November 2015 only approved the 29 codeshares until 15 January 2016.

Hogan added: “Unless the German government can show its commitment to support all German companies and German jobs, its reputation as a safe country in which to invest is at stake”.

“Etihad Airways is but one investor in one industry”.

“Make no mistake. Protectionism will undoubtedly harm the investment landscape in Germany”.