The Abu Dhabi-based airline has signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia’s national carrier that will pave the way for collaboration on ground handling, customer support initiatives, cargo and frequent flyer programmes.

This is expected to expand into a full codeshare agreement enabling the airlines to connect with each other’s networks. Etihad currently flies six times a week to Kuala Lumpur.

Etihad has eight other codeshare agreements, with Yemen Airways, Saudi Arabia Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines and the UK's BMI.