Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Etihad and China Eastern enter joint venture
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have launched their joint venture (JV) with the arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on April 28, 2025.
The new route initially operates four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Starting September 12, 2025, the service will increase to daily flights. Passengers will travel aboard an A330 aircraft, equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.
Building upon the launch of the JV, Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have also signed a new agreement for their respective loyalty programmes. Starting June 1, 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks, offering enhanced value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members.
Hong Kong Airlines debuts Hong Kong-Hulunbuir service
Hong Kong Airlines has launched its inaugural flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Hulunbuir (HLD) in Inner Mongolia. This new route offers a direct and efficient travel link between Hong Kong and Hulunbuir, strengthening connectivity between Hong Kong and cities along the Belt and Road initiative.
The Hong Kong-Hulunbuir flights operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with HX463 departing Hong Kong and HX462 returning from Hulunbuir on the same days.
Starting from June 5, 2025, an additional Thursday flight will be available.
Emirates expands network with new codeshare partnerships
Emirates has expanded its global network through a series of strategic partnerships, further enhancing connectivity and travel options for its passengers. Recently, the airline signed multiple agreements with Condor, Air Seychelles, and Philippine Airlines, strengthening its presence in Europe, the Caribbean, the Seychelles, and the Philippines. These new collaborations not only offer seamless travel connections but also improve services and convenience for customers across these regions.
Emirates and Condor have launched a reciprocal codeshare partnership ahead of the 2025 summer travel season, offering expanded travel options for both airlines’ customers. Emirates passengers can now access 11 new destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, including popular spots like Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Cancun, via Condor’s hubs in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. Condor travellers will benefit from enhanced connectivity to 13 destinations served by Emirates through Dubai, such as Bali, the Maldives, and Cape Town.
Emirates and Air Seychelles will work together to facilitate seamless connections for Emirates passengers on Air Seychelles flights between Mahe and Praslin Island. This agreement allows customers to book their entire itinerary on a single ticket, enjoy competitive fares, and benefit from a unified baggage policy for travel between the two islands. Emirates operates 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahe, with many travellers originating from France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.
Furthermore, Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have recently discussed expanding their partnership with a potential codeshare agreement. This would provide travellers with better connectivity between the Philippines and Dubai, offering a single ticket, competitive fares, and a streamlined baggage policy. Emirates and PAL first signed an interline agreement in March 2023, connecting passengers to ten domestic points in the Philippines and nine international destinations via Dubai.
Cathay Pacific adds Dallas to global network
Cathay Pacific celebrated the launch of its new non-stop service between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on April 24, 2025. This marks the sixth new destination for the airline this year, with 15 new routes announced for 2025.
Cathay Pacific operates four weekly return flights between Hong Kong and Dallas using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
The addition strengthens Cathay’s North America network and offers greater convenience for passengers.
Vietjet launches flights to Japan, adds new China route
Vietjet has launched two new direct routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan. The new services, which started on April 24 and 25, 2025, aim to improve travel options and strengthen cultural and economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Ho Chi Minh City-Nagoya route operates four times a week, while the Ho Chi Minh City-Fukuoka route runs three times a week. These additions bring the total number of Vietjet’s direct flights between Vietnam and Japan to 10.
Additionally, Vietjet has launched a daily Hanoi-Shanghai service, continuing its rapid expansion in China, which includes new routes to Beijing and Guangzhou.
