Etihad Airways, EL AL Airlines Sign MoU

UAE's Etihad Airways  - WAM
UAE's Etihad Airways - WAM
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Etihad Airways, EL AL Airlines Sign MoU

UAE's Etihad Airways  - WAM
UAE's Etihad Airways - WAM

EL AL Israel Airlines and UAE's Etihad Airways are set to explore deeper cooperation following the signing of a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The wide-ranging MoU covers scope to introduce joint codeshare services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as on the global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs, Etihad Airways said in a statement on Thursday.

The agreement also contains plans for greater commercial cooperation in the fields of cargo, engineering, loyalty, destination management and the optimal use of pilot and cabin crew training facilities.

The MoU was signed virtually by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, and Gonen Usishkin, Chief Executive Officer of EL AL Israel Airlines, state news agency WAM reported.

Commenting on the MoU, Douglas said: "Following EL AL’s historic flight to Abu Dhabi, the first ever flight between Israel and the UAE, this MoU is the foundation of what we envision will be a strong ongoing relationship between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. We look forward to examining ways in which the two flag carriers – Etihad and EL AL – can work more closely together to improve business operations and enhance the experience for our guests."

In turn, Usishkin stated: "Following the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, we have been provided a great opportunity to examine the possibility of cooperation with Etihad Airways. This MoU is only the start and we believe that together, the two flag carriers will be able to provide our mutual customers with the best possible product and service. Already, the common goals we have outlined speak for the success of our future cooperation."

Both carriers’ engineering and cargo divisions are also set to begin talks about greater cooperation. These discussions would look at optimizing MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul) opportunities, as well as ways to increase volumes of freighter traffic flowing into and out of Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, and across the carriers’ combined networks.

Etihad Airways announced its intention this week to commence daily services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv from 28th March, 2021.



Saudi Arabia Joins International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)
Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia Joins International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)
Officials from the Saudi Energy Ministry after the official announcement of joining the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (Saudi Energy Ministry)

The Saudi Energy Ministry announced Saturday that the Kingdom has officially joined the International Partnership for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), as part of its ongoing efforts to foster international collaboration in developing this vital sector.
This accession marks a major step for the Kingdom, reinforcing its pioneering role in global sustainability efforts and in innovating advanced solutions for clean energy, the Ministry said in a statement.
It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a key producer and exporter of clean hydrogen, and to achieve greenhouse gases (GHGs) net-zero through the circular carbon economy approach by 2060, or before depending on technology maturity and availability, the statement added.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in IPHE underscores its commitment to international cooperation as a cornerstone for attaining a more sustainable energy future.
The move also supports the objectives of the “Saudi Green Initiative” and “Middle East Green Initiative,” which focus on reducing carbon emissions and stimulating global demand for clean hydrogen, according to the statement.
"It also aims to contribute to the development and harmonization of regulations and standards that bolster the clean hydrogen economy,” it added.
IPHE serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration among member states to expedite the advancement and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
The partnership is dedicated to exchanging knowledge, supporting relevant research and technologies, and raising awareness about the importance of clean hydrogen in achieving sustainable development.
In this spirit, Saudi Arabia actively participates in numerous international organizations and initiatives linked to the production of clean and low-emission fuels, including the Innovation Mission Initiative, the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting, the Zero Neutrality Forum for Producers, the Global Methane Initiative, and other related efforts.