PRESS RELEASE

Lugano, 12 th January 2016

ETIHAD REGIONAL- CODESHARE EXTENDED UNTIL 2022

Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline, today announced that its codeshare agreement extension with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been approved by ’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) until 30 April 2022.

Initially commenced on 29 March 2015, the codeshare agreement offers the guests of both airlines greater access between Switzerland and Abu Dhabi, and onwards to popular destinations on the networks of Etihad Airways and its equity partner airlines.

As part of the agreement, Etihad Regional places its ‘F7’ flight code on Etihad Airways’ operated daily flights from Zurich and to Abu Dhabi. In turn, Etihad Airways places its ‘EY’ flight code on Etihad Regional’s operated flights between Geneva and , Zurich and Venice.

In conjunction with its global network partners Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways provides onward connectivity through Abu Dhabi to over 40 destinations in the Gulf region, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Zurich and Geneva services also provide seamless onward connections to numerous points across Europe on the networks of airberlin, , , Etihad Regional and Niki.

Etihad Airways operates a three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Abu Dhabi-Zurich route and a three-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Abu Dhabi-Geneva route.

Maurizio Merlo, Etihad Regional’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted that the codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways has been approved and extended until 2022. This significant development is great for our business continuity as we continue to offer greater access from Switzerland to the Middle East and beyond. At the same time, it guarantees extended opportunities to boost local tourism in Ticino, Switzerland, through the Abu Dhabi- Lugano flight, via Geneva.”

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are pleased with FOCA’s decision to extend our codeshare with Etihad Regional, which offers our combined guests

DARWIN AIRLINE SA Sede Legale: Via alla Campagna 2A - CP 4121 - CH 6904 Lugano Sede Amministrativa: Via Campagna - CH 6934 Tel. +41 (0) 91/973.28.50 - Fax. +41 (0) 91/973.28.59 www.etihadregional.com - [email protected]

enhanced connectivity in and out of Switzerland, and to key global destinations via Etihad Airways’ extensive network.”

About Etihad Regional, Operated by Darwin Airline Etihad Regional is the new European brand operated by Switzerland’s leading regional carrier, Darwin Airline, founded in 2003. Etihad Regional, a full service airline, currently operates with a fleet of seven 50-seat turboprop aircraft and four 68-seat ATR 72-500s, serving several destinations in four European countries: Switzerland, , , and .

Besides serving a range of key secondary cities in Europe, Etihad Regional also offers international destinations around the world through its 33.3 per cent shareholding equity and codeshare partner, Etihad Airways. Through this partnership, all Etihad Guest, MilleMiglia, topbonus and JetPrivilege members can earn and redeem miles on all eligible Etihad Regional flights.

The airline’s head office is located in Lugano with major operational hub in Geneva. For more information, please visit www.etihadregional.com .

For information: Barbara Piras, Communication Officer Darwin Airline SA Via Campagna 2a 6904 LUGANO Dir: +41 (0) 91 612 4518 / [email protected]

DARWIN AIRLINE SA Sede Legale: Via alla Campagna 2A - CP 4121 - CH 6904 Lugano Sede Amministrativa: Via Campagna - CH 6934 Bioggio Tel. +41 (0) 91/973.28.50 - Fax. +41 (0) 91/973.28.59 www.etihadregional.com - [email protected]