German Court Rules Against Etihad and Air Berlin Codeshare Agreement

Etihad Airways lost the right to add its code to 31 Air Berlin routes. A German court ruled Wednesday those routes were not covered by the bilateral air transport agreement between Germany and the United Arab Emirates. The ruling goes into effect Jan. 16 to the end of the winter schedule on March 26. 

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad – which owns 29% of Air Berlin – said it plans to appeal the decision. The airline argued it reduce competition and create “social and economic impact” on Germany. Jointly selling tickets would have allowed Etihad to sell more tickets across Europe, and given Air Berlin access to more customers.

Of the 31 routes, 29 were previously approved by Germany. The court’s ruling does not affect 50 other codeshare routes between Air Berlin and Etihad.