Air New Zealand and UAE based Etihad Airways have joined hands by signing a code-share deal. The move is expected to benefit both companies with prospectus of rise in passenger growth. Air New Zealand would code- share on Etihad's services between Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow. The deal is expected to materialize within a month after getting required approval from the respective governments.

Hailing the deal between two companies, Etihad Airways' chief executive James Hogan has said that the firm is looking forward to offer services to its customers over five more international routes. He hoped that seamless flight experience offered by Etihad and Air New Zealand will prove a boon for business and leisure travelers of both sides.

Rob Fyfe, the Chief Executive of Air New Zealand said, "This arrangement with Etihad Airways further extends connectivity options for our customers through to Europe as well as providing opportunities to further grow passenger numbers for our trans-Tasman and domestic services."

Goldman Sachs head of research Marcus Curley has said that the code-share will offer another feeder service on to the Tasman services in New Zealand.