The UAE’s two leading carriers have signed a cooperation agreement in the area of security after rumors last year suggested a tie-up between the two.
The aviation security Memorandum of Understand (MoU) signed by Emirates President Sir Tim Clark and Etihad group CEO Tony Douglas will enable Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad to share security information and intelligence.
The two airlines will also work together on operational areas both inside and outside the UAE.
Emirates will also provide security training and education programs to Etihad staff with the goal of setting up an in-house security education program with potential university level accreditation.
The signing is an historic move between the two Emirati groups. Rumors last year suggested talks between the two for a merge, at the time Etihad struggled to overcome challenges.
Clark however dismissed the possibility but noted that both airlines could work more closely.
