Rivals Emirates and Etihad tie up over aviation security

Middle Eastern rival carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways are entering a co-operation pact covering aviation security matters.

The agreement, signed in Dubai between Emirates Group and Etihad Aviation Group, takes the form of a memorandum of understanding intended to take advantage of synergies between the two United Arab Emirates companies.

Emirates says it particularly includes sharing information and intelligence on "critical aspects" of aviation security.

"The two entities will also work together on operational areas both within and outside the UAE," adds Emirates, which was recently caught up in a security issue in Tunisia which resulted in a temporary ban on its flights.

The UAE was also affected by a US government ban on electronics imposed early last year.

Emirates Group's security division will provide security training and education programmes to Etihad and support Etihad's development of its own security escort capability.

“Security is our utmost priority and given the current sensitive climate we operate in, it should never be underestimated," says Etihad Aviation Groupvice-chairman Hamad Abdulla Al Shamsi.

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