The first Air Berlin flight touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport this morning, following Etihad increasing its stake in the German carrier last month and agreeing to embark on codeshare flights.

Air Berlin will operate four weekly non-stop flights between Berlin and Abu Dhabi, providing a total of 29 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and the airline's four German hubs, with plans to increase to 42 flights from mid-April.

Flights on the Berlin-Abu Dhabi route are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, using A330-200s with a seating capacity of 303 seats.

Air Berlin flights from Abu Dhabi to the German capital will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and CEO, said the deal expands its joint network reach. Etihad will codeshare on 36 of Air Berlin's 171 destinations, and the German airline will codeshare on 24 of Etihad's 72 passenger destinations.

Through Abu Dhabi, Air Berlin's passengers now have increased accessibility to Asia and Australia.

Both carriers have integrated their frequent flyer programs, Etihad Guest and topbonus, as part of the partnership.

Etihad Guest members can now earn status and bonus miles across Air Berlin's network.

Silver, Gold and Gold Elite members can use Air Berlin's priority check-in, priority boarding and increased baggage allowances on all routes, and access exclusive Air Berlin waiting areas at Berlin, Cologne and Dusseldorf airports.

Similar reciprocal benefits will be available to airberlin topbonus members travelling with Etihad.

Etihad Guest is offering double award miles to all members when they book flights marketed and operated by Air Berlin until February 19.

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