The agreement, signed in Accra, sets out a framework for the two airlines to connect their networks. Once implemented, it will allow Etihad guests to travel on a single ticket beyond Accra onto Africa World Airlines' network across Ghana and West Africa, and bring Africa World Airlines' customers to Abu Dhabi and onwards across Etihad's network of 118 destinations.

The partnership goes further than the airlines' passenger networks. The two carriers intend to cooperate on cargo, connecting Ghanaian and West African exporters with Etihad Cargo's global capacity, and on loyalty, giving members of both airlines' programmes more ways to earn and redeem.

The partnership lands as Ghana and the UAE draw closer, with growing trade, investment and government engagement between the two countries, and travel between Accra and the UAE rising with it. A direct commercial link between the two capitals of these aviation markets is the natural next step.

The MoU took effect from July 24, of this year with the individual areas of cooperation to be implemented in stages. The partnership prepares the ground for Etihad's own Abu Dhabi–Accra service set to launch on March 24, 2027. Combined journeys will go on sale as soon as the interline cooperation takes effect.

Details of the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty cooperation will be announced as each is implemented.