Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is disappointed with the decision of American Airlines to terminate our codeshare relationship effective 25 March 2018.

We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial codeshare relationship since 2009 that has provided passengers flying to and from the United States with more and better flight options to points in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and other destinations that historically have not been served by US airlines. The Etihad Airways / American Airlines relationship continued notwithstanding our differences on the so-called "Open Skies" political dispute.

We view the decision by American Airlines as being anti-competitive and anti-consumer. This action will reduce choices for consumers and may result in higher fares for travellers to and from the United States.

Etihad Airways and many of the leading consumer and business groups in the United States have categorically rejected the allegations of American and the two other dominant US carriers regarding violations of the relevant air transportation agreements. Etihad Airways' six daily flights to the United States in no way threaten American Airlines, which together with its regional partner American Eagle, operates 6,700 flights daily to 350 destinations in 50 countries.

We are committed to the US market and American consumers, and are taking all possible measures to ensure that the flying public is not harmed by this decision. We will continue our interline relationship with American Airlines to help ensure continued connectivity to secondary markets. We are committed to working with all airlines, including all United States carriers, to offer passengers more competition, more destinations, and an overall better flying experience.

Contributed by Etihad Airways