Aer Lingus and Etihad Airways have signed a code-share agreement and are discussing further cooperation.

Etihad bought a 3% stake in the Irish carrier back in May to help the Abu Dhabi flagship carrier gain more European routes.

The airline says  cooperation between the two includes joint procurement.

Under the agreement the ‘EY’ Etihad code will be placed on Aer Lingus flights to in Western Europe and the US while the Aer Lingus ‘EI’ code will be on Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Dublin.

The agreement also gives Aer Lingus access to Etihad’s network in the Middle East, Asia and and Australasia.

Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said “The codeshare agreement is an early indication of the success of Etihad Airways’ strategic plan to acquire equity in Aer Lingus and other airlines and the instant benefit it brings to both airlines’ customers around the world”

While Aer Lingus’ CEO Christoph Mueller added that the announcement “supports Aer Lingus’ strategy to provide greater access and choice to our customers. We are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways on board as a codeshare partner”.