Air Berlin will shift its Middle East operations to Abu Dhabi from Dubai under the partnership.
The strategic move, announced in Berlin by Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer James Hogan and Air Berlin CEO Hartmut Mehdorn, connects the airlines’ extensive networks and frequent flyer programs to offer travelers 239 destinations across 77 countries.
Air Berlin will operate four A330-200 flights a week between Berlin and Abu Dhabi from Jan. 15 — with European travelers having immediate access to a total of 29 flights a week to and through Abu Dhabi from four German hubs, with a plan to increase to 42 flights from mid-April.
Hartmut Mehdorn said: “The strategic partnership with Etihad Airways opens up enormous opportunities for the future of our company. This applies especially to future market development and the realization of synergies.”
Mehdorn added: “One of the key components of the new partnership is the launch of Air Berlin services to Abu Dhabi, which will become our new gateway to Asia and Australia.”
James Hogan said the deal is one of the most important in Etihad Airways’ history.
 “This new partnership expands our network reach, gives us access to 33 million new passengers, and provides us with a real opportunity for global growth. Through Air Berlin, we gain immediate access to a broad and complementary European market, with outstanding connectivity options for customers of both airlines.”
Hogan said: “We now have a portfolio of 34 quality airline partners, but this is our first equity investment in another airline. It is a sign of our confidence in Air Berlin’s management and in the carrier’s potential to grow with us. We expect such growth will also offer a host of additional employment opportunities, both in Europe and the UAE.”
He said Etihad Airways and the Air Berlin group carry a combined total of more than 40 million passengers a year, operate 233 aircraft, and employ 18,000 people.  Together, the companies generate more than $9 billion in revenues.