Abu Dhabi, June 25 (IANS/WAM) UAE's Etihad Airways and the Czech Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement that will give their customers access to more destinations.

The Czech Airlines will launch new direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Prague, and offer onward global connections through Etihad's network as part of the agreement.

The agreement will allow Etihad passengers to book flights to Prague and other destinations covered by the Czech Airlines.

Philippe Moreels of the Czech Airlines said Thursday: "We are extremely satisfied that we have found a genuinely strong partner in Etihad Airways. I believe that the announcement we are making today will serve both outbound and inbound passengers extremely well.

"And it is merely the first step towards deeper and more intensive cooperation in the future."

Peter Baumgartner of the Etihad Airways said: "As the world's leading airline, this new strategic relationship which includes but is not limited to just a codeshare agreement, illustrates Etihad's growing ambitions in the Central and Eastern Europe region.

"It opens up the beautiful city of Prague that we have been eager to offer our customers for such a long time, and we are certain these new connections and the seamless flight experience offered jointly by Etihad and Czech Airlines, will appeal to both business and leisure travellers alike."