Emirates and Etihad sign historic MoU for new security agreement

Emirates Group Security, a subsidiary of the Gulf carrier Emirates, and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the area of aviation security. The MoU was signed in Dubai by Tim Clark, Emirates President, and Tony Douglas, Etihad CEO, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman, and CEO, Hamad Abdulla Al Shamsi, Etihad Vice Chairman, along with a number of other senior executives from both carriers.
Emirates Group Security employs more than 400 staff directly as well as 2,000 security staff via Transguard Group (TG), its service partner.
Hamad Abdulla Al Shamsi, Etihad’s Vice Chairman, stated, “The signing of a MoU between the two largest aviation groups in the country will have a positive impact on local and international operations by significantly enhancing aviation security measures,” adding that “by working closely together and pooling our expertise and resources, Etihad Aviation Group and Emirates Group Security will build a stronger platform from which to share best practice and knowledge, allowing us to provide the safest traveling environment for our customers.”
In addition, Emirates and Etihad will closely cooperate on operational aspects. “Security is one of the foremost priorities of the global aviation industry. Through this agreement, Emirates Group Security will collaborate with Etihad Aviation Group to share know-how and extend aviation security services in order to better handle shared challenges, which ultimately benefits travelers,” confirmed Sheikh Ahmed, Emirates Chairman, and CEO.
This is the first agreement made by both group airlines and, according to Hamad Abdulla Al Shamsi, “this is a landmark partnership and one which is as important symbolically as it is strategically.” He added that: “as the national airline of the UAE, we have a responsibility to seek and develop greater collaboration with our major aviation partners in the UAE for the continued safety and convenience of millions of travelers worldwide.”
Under the MoU, Emirates Group Security will additionally extend its security training and education programs to Etihad Airways and will support the Abu Dhabi-based airline to further develop its security escort capability.