The agreement – Etihad’s 30th such commercial partnership – continues the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s global network expansion.

Under the new deal, travellers originating from any of Etihad’s destinations worldwide can now fly to Kazakhstan through its modern and efficient hub in Abu Dhabi.

Air travellers in Kazakhstan benefit through greater and easier access to Etihad’s global network.

Air Astana currently operates 11 services per week to Abu Dhabi from Almaty and Astana. The daily services from Almaty and four services per week from Astana complement Etihad’s own four services between Abu Dhabi and Kazakhstan, (three to Almaty and one to Astana).

Under the codeshare, Etihad places its ‘EY’ code on services operated by Air Astana to Abu Dhabi from Almaty and Astana. In turn, Air Astana places its ‘KC’ code on Etihad’s flights between Abu Dhabi and Astana and Almaty.

The codeshare services are on sale from 25 February for travel from 1 March 2011, subject to government approval.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Together, Etihad and Air Astana now offer 15 weekly services between Kazakhstan and Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi and seamless connectivity to more than 100 destinations worldwide. For our customers this means more choice and more convenience.” Peter Foster, President of Air Astana, said: "This first step of cooperation with Etihad is central to our strategic goal of developing Abu Dhabi as a significant hub for Air Astana in the region.

“Not only is choice between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates immediately increased, but this codeshare opens Etihad's extensive network to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian sub-continent with Air Astana’s growing network in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the CIS. We are delighted to be able to benefit travelers to and from these growing regions.”