Etihad Airways celebrates Manchester City title win

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:33:22 GMT

Etihad Airways has led the cheers of celebration for Manchester City as the club was crowned Barclays Premier League champions with victory over Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

It was the first time since 1968 that Manchester City has won the title in England's top tier of football and the first time the club has lifted the Barclays Premier League trophy.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "We congratulate everyone at Manchester City for their fantastic achievement this season and securing the Premier League title.

"Etihad Airways is immensely proud to be a close partner and friend of Manchester City and look forward to celebrating this famous moment with the management, staff and players at the club.

"It has been an incredible season at the club and to seal the title at home, at the Etihad Stadium, is very special for the loyal City fans that have waited a long time for this, as well as everyone at Etihad Airways and those in Abu Dhabi."

The Etihad Airways logo has been on the Manchester City shirt since 2009 and the Abu Dhabi-based airline became naming sponsor of the club’s Etihad Stadium and Campus in August 2011.

To celebrate the final day of the season and show their support of Manchester City, staff at Etihad Airways wore sky blue coloured attire at work on Sunday 13 May.

- Ends -

About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 84 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, including flights to Munich, flights to Brisbane, flights to Manchester and flights to Chicago. Etihad Airways employs a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30 per cent of airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest airline, and 40 per cent of Air Seychelles. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

Etihad Airways' sports teams set for season climax

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:04:47 GMT

Excitement is building at Etihad Airways as two of the airline’s sporting partners - Manchester City Football Club and Harlequins Rugby Club - look to end the season triumphantly with success in their respective domestic league's blockbuster games.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is lead and shirt sponsor at both English clubs, with Manchester City striving to win the Barclays Premier League title on Sunday, 13 May at the Etihad Stadium when they play Queens Park Rangers. If successful, it will be the first time since 1968 that Manchester City has won the title in England's top tier of football and the club needs to equal or better the result of nearest rivals Manchester United to be crowned champions.

Rugby Union side Harlequins will take on Northampton Saints on Saturday, 12 May at the Twickenham Stoop in the first semi final of the Aviva Premiership, looking to book a place in the final at Twickenham two weeks later.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Etihad Airways is delighted to be in the unique position that our sporting partners in football and rugby are both pushing to win their league title.

"We wish the players and management at Manchester City FC and Harlequins the very best of luck as they look to finish the season in style and be crowned champions."

Earlier in the season Etihad hosted a special photo shoot with Vincent Kompany, Manchester City FC captain, and Chris Robshaw, Harlequins and England captain at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

Chris Robshaw has enjoyed a phenomenal season being named England captain for the RBS Six Nations 2012 and recently winning the Premiership player of the season award.

Five Harlequins players including Robshaw were also named in the ESPN dream team for the 2011/12 season. The fellow Harlequins players are Joe Marler, Mike Brown, George Lowe and Nick Easter.

In addition to sponsoring Manchester City and Harlequins, Etihad Airways is also sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the GAA All Ireland Hurling Championships, the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

- Ends -

About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 84 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, including flights to Nairobi, flights to Japan, flights to Melbourne and flights to London. Etihad Airways employs a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30 per cent of airberlin, Europe's sixth largest airline, and 40 per cent of Air Seychelles. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com.

Etihad Airways to launch flights to Ethiopia

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:57:52 GMT

Etihad Airways will add the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to its rapidly growing network in November 2012.

The airline will also start flying to the Indian city of Ahmedabad in the same month. The two new cities will expand the airline’s reach to 86 passenger and cargo destinations around the world.

The new routes will each be served by an Airbus A320 aircraft and support Etihad Airways' aims to connect key strategic cities with its home base of Abu Dhabi, enhancing commercial and leisure travel with the UAE’s capital city.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, its ninth destination in Africa, will initially operate five times a week, increasing to daily in 2013. Flights will operate daily between Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad, the airline’s ninth destination in India.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "We continue to build strength and depth to our global network and the addition of Addis Ababa, a major East African hub, and Ahmedabad, the fifth largest city in India, will make significant contributions to traffic flows to Abu Dhabi and beyond.

"Addis Ababa and Ahmedabad are economic centres in their respective countries and daily flights to Abu Dhabi will build greater ties with the UAE’s capital as it continues to invest in world-class development projects and attract business and leisure travellers."

Ethiopia is the largest African market that Etihad Airways is yet to serve and the second most populous country in Africa. It is expected to contribute strong business and leisure traffic within the airline’s network.

There is also a growing Ethiopian population living and working in Abu Dhabi and the UAE which will benefit from the new Abu Dhabi - Addis Ababa service.

Etihad Airways' new service to Ahmedabad will offer nearly 1,000 seats a week into the Guajarati city and the November 2012 launch will coincide with the beginning of the peak travel season in India.

The airline anticipates strong traffic flows from Ahmedabad to Abu Dhabi and onto its European and US destinations. It also underlines Etihad Airways' commitment to serve the major population centres across India with direct flights to Abu Dhabi.

The A320 aircraft that will serve Addis Ababa and Ahmedabad have two cabins with 16 Pearl Business Class seats and 120 Coral Economy Class seats.

- Ends -

About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 84 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, including flights to Ethiopia, flights to Bangkok, flights to Manchester and flights to Tokyo. Etihad Airways employs a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30 per cent of airberlin, Europe's sixth largest airline, and 40 per cent of Air Seychelles. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

Etihad Airways Offers 20 Per Cent Off Early Summer Air Fares

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:23:11 GMT

Etihad Airways has revived its popular “Up, Up and Away” sales promotion, offering Coral Economy Class at special pre-summer fares of 20 per cent off.

The promotional fares are available for purchase within the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, until April 5, valid for travel between April 10 and May 31.

On offer are more than 20 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, flights to South Africa, Far East and flights to Australia.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Last year’s ‘Up, Up and Away’ sale was a huge success with our guests and an indicator that the early summer season is a popular time to take advantage of attractively priced travel deals. We are very excited to revive this offer for our guests and offer them yet another opportunity to book a fantastic holiday with Etihad Airways at great value.”

To purchase the “Up, Up and Away” fares, visit etihad.com, Etihad retail shops or call Etihad Airways on +971 (0)2 599 0000. The fares can also be booked through local travel agents.

Terms and conditions apply.

2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Tickets Go On Sale Globally

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:01:57 GMT

Abu Dhabi, UAE. Saturday 24th March, 2012: Tickets to one of the most anticipated and exciting sporting events on the international calendar, the 2012 Formula 1? Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs November 2-4, go on global sale tomorrow (Sunday, March 25).

It is anticipated that, now in its fourth year, the weekend will again host a sell-out crowd with 50,000 spectators gathering at Yas Marina Circuit to watch the excitement.

In addition to a new ticket structure released today, Yas Marina Circuit, the Grand Prix organiser, has teamed up with Etihad Airways, the award-winning national airline of the UAE, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages to entice regional and international motorsport fans and international leisure and entertainment seekers. Full details of these and all other available packages can be found at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae or www.etihadracing.com.

“The all-inclusive options enable visitors to experience the best of Abu Dhabi during the most exciting week of the year,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer, Yas Marina Circuit. “We work very hard to raise the bar every year, and believe we are offering the most innovative race and entertainment packages out there. Families and visitors of all ages will not be disappointed.”

The destination-driven packages are offered in three categories – Luxury & Lifestyle, Entertainment Seekers and Motorsport Fans – with a view to targeting as many niche sectors as possible. A range of upgrades and add-ons are also available.

Leveraging the core attraction of Grand Prix weekend action, the travel packages are designed to encompass the best of Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse tourism portfolio. Ranging from value to luxury, the packages will include a number of city-based tours, wide-ranging leisure activities and varied accommodation options at both city and beachfront resorts.

“Since the first race in 2009, the Formula 1? Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has grown in popularity each year, cementing its status as a must-see event on the international sporting calendar,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “We look forward to bringing more of the world flying to Abu Dhabi to experience first-hand this dynamic event and world class-destination.”

Race-goers are being offered a variety of seating and hospitality upgrades available for the first time, allowing them to tailor-make their race weekend experience – including Marina Club and South Club upgrades. On the corporate sales front, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites & Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are available again.

In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1™ support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand Boxes also provide access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers.

Beyond the on-track action, F1 ticket holders will be able to enjoy a wider entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the Grandstands, while the Yasalam after-race concerts of world class acts will once again draw F1 ticket holders to the neighbouring Yas Arena after the days’ on-track action. Previous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends have seen world-class acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park perform to crowds in excess of 30,000 per night. With free concerts on the Corniche, celebration events taking place across the city, and plans under way for more exclusive F1 ticket-holder only entertainment, the Capital is gearing up once more for an action packed F1 week.

All race weekend tickets are available internationally through: Hala Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways’ destination management company), Grand Prix Tickets (Austria), F1.Com (Austria), TRAVEL F1.com (London, UK), Platinium Group (Monaco), BookF1.com (London, UK), Motor Passion LTD (Berkshire, UK), Thomas Cook Sport (UK), Profile F1 Tickets (UK), The Ticket Enterprise bv (Netherlands), Ticket+Travel (Amsterdam), Leisure Far East Ltd (Hong Kong), Thomas Cook India (INDIA).

Etihad Airways And SR Technics Rollout iPad Aircraft Type Training Courses

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:06:23 GMT

Etihad Airways is one of the first airlines in the world to roll out aircraft type training courses using tablet technology. The airline is training its 200 licensed aircraft engineers with an iPad app developed by SR Technics.

Eleven Etihad Airways licensed aircraft engineers took part in an initial trial, which focused on type training for the airline’s fleet of 11 Airbus A340 aircraft. Now, Etihad Airways is using aircraft type training course tablet technology for its complete range of technical type training.

Only licensed engineers who have successfully completed a recognised aircraft type training course are authorised to certify maintenance work carried out on a particular type of aircraft.

SR Technics, part of the Mubadala Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Network, is one of the first companies in the world to introduce tablet technology into aircraft type training courses, the aim of which is to replace traditional training manuals and enhance the training experience.

Etihad Airways Senior Vice President Technical, Werner Rothenbaecher, said: “We have found that using such technology allows for more efficient and effective training, and one of the major benefits of the iPad is that additional supporting materials may now be included in the interactive manuals such as images, videos, cockpit voice recordings and incidents reports.

“This offers real added-value to our aircraft engineers, by providing a richer learning experience from a single delivery point.”

Group CEO of the Mubadala Aerospace MRO network, James Stewart, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Etihad Airways for the introduction and further development of our new iPad training. As the first airline to train their employees with this technology, Etihad Airways has provided very useful feedback to SR Technics.

“The airline’s commitment to the project demonstrates that Etihad Airways places the highest value on providing the best training to its engineers – in terms of teaching, efficiency and ensuring continued appeal of the training approach.”

Etihad Airways Signs MOU With China Eastern Airlines

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:36:04 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Eastern Airlines.

The landmark agreement was signed at a meeting in Shanghai between President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan and China Eastern Airlines Chairman Liu Shaoyong.

The MoU will encompass joint route and schedule coordination, codesharing flights between the UAE and China and in time on each other's networks, full frequent flyer reciprocity, reciprocal airport lounge access, joint product development, and technical and cargo cooperation – subject to regulatory approval.

Mr Hogan said the MoU with China Eastern Airlines was an important development in Etihad Airways’ China strategy.

"The partnership with China Eastern Airlines will allow us to extend our reach into the dynamic Chinese travel market in a commercially viable and mutually beneficial way.

"It will allow both airlines to offer their customers greater choice in terms of destinations and schedules and practical benefits like reciprocal lounge access and the ability to earn and burn on each other flights – so a win-win for the business and for travellers across our combined global networks.

"We will explore further opportunities to expand the cooperation with China Eastern Airlines and would welcome them operating to and beyond our home base in Abu Dhabi.”

Liu Shaoyong, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, said: "China Eastern is very pleased to cooperate with Etihad Airways and cherishes this partnership. The signing of the MoU has great significance in terms of further strengthening the airlines’ codesharing, on-ground agent service and frequent flyer program benefits."

Etihad Airways Signs Loyalty Deal With Cruise Specialist Century Travel

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:15:25 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a deal with Century Travel to enable members of its frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest, to earn miles when booking luxury cruises.

Etihad Guest members will earn one Etihad Guest Mile for every dollar spent on a luxury cruise with any of the cruise operators represented by Century Travel. These operators include Crystal Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises and Windstar.

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner said: “Etihad Guest is always looking for new and innovative ways for our loyalty program members to earn or burn Etihad Guest Miles. This global partnership with Century Travel will allow Etihad Guest members to earn miles when booking a luxurious cruise holiday.

“We very much look forward to working closely with Century Travel over the coming months and years to develop a strong and lasting partnership that will benefit our members.”

Century Travel Chief Executive Officer Daniel Essex said: “Partnering with Etihad Airways is excellent news for Century Travel as we continue to work to deliver a truly premium cruise experience. Linking up with a major airline allows us to deliver a responsive service and meet the individual needs of customers.”

Etihad Guest has more than 1.4 million members. Etihad Guest Miles can be used to purchase more than 2,900 products in the Etihad Airways Reward Shop or converted to make cash payments in more than thirty million retail outlets worldwide with PointsPay – an unmatched loyalty proposition.

Etihad Airways Extends Sabre Technology Deal To Benefit Airberlin

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:27:52 GMT

Etihad Airways said today it will offer partner airline, airberlin, a range of benefits from its own billion dollar deal with travel technology provider Sabre Airline Solutions.

Under the agreement signed between Etihad Airways and Sabre in December 2011, Etihad Airways gains access to cutting edge, integrated software across its reservations, inventory, marketing, planning, eCommerce, distribution and departure control operations.

This will significantly reduce the airline’s technology costs, streamline its operations, increase revenues, and accelerate its growth around the world.

As part of its strategic equity partnership with airberlin, Etihad Airways will offer access to a range of these benefits, as part of its strategy to identify synergies that could benefit both airlines.

Working with Sabre, potential benefits include:

• distribution – providing Sabre agencies worldwide with enhanced real-time access to Etihad Airways flights and airberlin flights and ancillary content;

• improved joint market share, which could generate per annum benefits of up to US $25 million at current levels; and

• preferential partner access to specialised and highly-skilled consulting resources, which could lead to process improvements across a broad range of business areas, potentially resulting in better schedule connectivity and inventory control, improved distribution channel mix, more competitive revenue management and optimised crew utilisation.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: “Since we announced our equity partnership with airberlin in December 2011, we have been actively looking for ways the two airlines can work together, and also for benefits each airline already has, which could be extended to the other airline.

“The deal between Etihad Airways and Sabre is a terrific opportunity for airberlin, and will support their drive for growth.”

Chief Executive Officer of airberlin, Hartmut Mehdorn, said: “airberlin benefits from the negotiations between Etihad Airways and Sabre. This is further evidence of the wide range of opportunities for enhancing the synergies and optimising cost efficiency within the partnership between airberlin and Etihad Airways.”

Sam Gilliland, Chief Executive Office of Sabre Holdings said: “Our primary goal is to provide our airline partners with flexible technology that helps reduce costs and increase revenue and profits. Through Etihad Airways, airberlin will be able to leverage our Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, and reap some of the benefits Etihad Airways enjoy. We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with airberlin and other potential Etihad airline partners.”

Etihad Airways Joins Airberlin Counter Card Program

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:43:37 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will join the airberlin Counter Card Program, effective May 1, 2012. This is another milestone in the strategic partnership of both airlines.

The Counter Card Program is a well-known and established incentive program that is popular with travel agencies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Under the scheme, travel agencies with a defined minimum annual sales volume are offered discounts on the net fare for short, medium and long-haul flights as well as additional benefits.

From May 1 the program will reward travel agencies with discounts not only on airberlin flights, but also on flights with Etihad Airways.

Travel agencies can apply to join the Counter Card Program online via the airberlin partner website – https://partner.airberlin.com. All permanent travel agency employees are entitled to a Counter Card, provided that the target turnover is reached.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: "This announcement is good news for our valued travel trade partners and will further cement our strategic partnership with airberlin."

The two partners are already codesharing a large number of flights. airberlin passengers can book codeshare flights to destinations such as flights to Bangkok, Johannesburg, flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malé, the Seychelles and flights to Singapore.

Similarly, Etihad Airways is selling airberlin flights from the hubs in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Milan to cities such as Graz, Helsinki, Innsbruck, Oslo, Vienna and Zurich, plus numerous German domestic destinations and routes to Spain

"At the end of the day, we want to reward the support of our travel trade partners and for them to enjoy all the benefits of selling Etihad Airways and airberlin flights, and to experience for themselves our award-winning service first hand, and at attractive prices," added Baumgartner.

airberlin Chief Commercial Officer Paul Gregorowitsch said: "Etihad Airways joining Counter Cards is unprecedented in our industry – no other airline is part of the program. The Counter Card for travel agencies reinforces our commitment to close cooperation by offering many benefits and privileges to agents who support us and work with us."

Berlin -- Etihad Airways' New German Headquarters

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:05:10 GMT

Berlin will become the new German headquarters for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates said today.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, announced the move, effective from June 1, this afternoon.

“Germany is the largest outbound travel market in Europe and a critically important part of our global network so it makes good business sense to be based in the country’s capital.

“This will also enable us to better leverage the benefits of our strategic partnership with airberlin,” Mr Hogan said.

In late December Etihad Airways increased its stake in airberlin to 29.21 per cent, making it the single biggest shareholder in Europe’s sixth largest airline.

Etihad Airways operates 25 flights a week between Germany and Abu Dhabi, servicing flights to Munich, flights to Frankfurt and flights to Düsseldorf.

In mid-January airberlin began flying from Berlin to Abu Dhabi four times a week and this will become a daily service from March 25, when it will also launch daily flights between Düsseldorf and the UAE capital.

Mr Hogan said moving the airline’s main German sales and marketing office from Munich to Berlin should also help stimulate local employment opportunities.

Currently, Etihad Airways has nearly 50 staff based in Germany while more than 150 German nationals work for the airline.

Etihad Airways will continue operate its three sales offices in Munich, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.

Etihad Airways Launches "Etihad Superseller" Travel Agent Incentive Program

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:05:06 GMT

Etihad Airways today launched Etihad SuperSeller, a travel agent incentive program that allows agents to earn Etihad Guest Miles on every Diamond First and Pearl Business class ticket sold.

Agents based in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UK, France, USA and Australia are eligible to participate.

Etihad SuperSeller is a fully automated system. Agents can enrol at etihadagents.com and receive a SuperSeller APIN number which can then be entered into eligible bookings. Etihad Guest Miles will be automatically credited to agents’ accounts upon completion of the flights.

Agents can log in to etihadagents.com at any time to see miles credited to their personal accounts. The miles can be redeemed at the Etihad Guest online Rewards Shop (rewards.etihadguest.com).

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are thrilled to launch an innovative way to reward the support we receive from the travel trade community and to offer our valued travel agent partners the opportunity to reap the benefits of our award-winning Etihad Guest loyalty program. Agents will be able to redeem miles against a wide selection of more than 2,900 flight and non-flight rewards from over 200 partners.”

Etihad Guest Miles are awarded based on the destination and the class of travel. For details on how many miles are awarded per destination, visit etihadagents.com.

Etihad Airways Increases Flights To Cairo

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:04:59 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to substantially boost flights to Egypt.

The four additional services means the carrier will operate 18 flights to Cairo each week from June 2012.

The extra Airbus A320 services will also significantly improve connectivity over the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub to key destinations in Southeast Asia and flights to Australia.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Despite the Arab Spring’s impact, this route has continued to perform strongly and over the past eight years our services to Cairo have exceeded our expectations. We are pleased to be able to build on this success with these additional flights.

“Cairo is a special destination for us due to the established cultural and commercial ties between Egypt and the UAE. We expect to see continuing strong demand on this route, particularly from government and business travellers, as well as the Egyptian expatriate population living in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.”

Etihad Airways started flights to Egypt in November 2004.

Etihad Airways-Airberlin B787 Integration Takes Partnership To New Level

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:28:11 GMT

Etihad Airways and airberlin have announced plans to integrate their Boeing 787 Dreamliner programs, affecting a total of 56 firm aircraft – which is more Dreamliners than are on order with any other airline – and saving millions of dollars for both carriers.

A combined Etihad Airways-airberlin team, led by Etihad Airways, will oversee the integration program, which will see the two airlines share infrastructure, pool maintenance, develop joint training programs, and streamline purchasing activity for engines, rotables, avionics and inflight entertainment systems, as well as work jointly on product development for the new aircraft type.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said: “This program is the first of a range of initiatives that will bring significant cost synergies and savings for both airlines.

“It is an ideal solution for reducing the costs associated with the introduction of a new aircraft type, and an excellent example of the value of our partnership, enabling Etihad Airways and airberlin to achieve economies of scale and avoid duplication in areas like design and certification.

“It makes both operational and commercial sense to work together on common fleet issues and we expect the synergies we achieve through this integration to result in significant efficiency benefits for both airlines.

“We will also be able to deliver a level of commonality across our B787 fleets in relation to onboard cabin specifications, which will provide passengers with a consistent product experience when they travel with Etihad Airways and airberlin across the airlines’ extensive networks.”

Chief Executive Officer of airberlin, Mr Hartmut Mehdorn, said: “Together with our strategic partner Etihad Airways, airberlin saw an opportunity to work as a team in developing the introduction into service of this innovative aircraft.

“airberlin is already the most fuel efficient network carrier in Europe and has brought down fuel consumption in 2011 to the record value of 3,5 litres/100 passenger kilometres. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the perfect match to our eco-efficient fleet and we are hugely impressed by the improved fuel efficiencies which this aircraft delivers and look forward to making the next step of fuel efficient flying.”

In December 2011 Etihad Airways increased its stake in airberlin to 29.21 per cent, making it the single biggest shareholder in Europe’s sixth largest airline.

The move came just days after Etihad Airways announced it was buying 10 more B787-9 Dreamliners, taking its total order to 41, with 25 options and purchasing rights, making the UAE flag carrier the largest operator of the aircraft type in the world.

airberlin has 15 B787s on order with options and purchase rights on a further 15 aircraft. Delivery will begin in 2015.

Etihad Airways Offers Stopover Passengers One Night's Free Accommodation In Abu Dhabi

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:32:14 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will offer one night’s free accommodation to passengers stopping over in Abu Dhabi for a minimum of two nights before December 1, 2012.

The Essential Stopovers offer, part of the Essential Abu Dhabi program, can be redeemed at 25 hotels, ranging from three to five star.

Further nights in five and four star accommodation can be purchased at rates as low as US$59 per person, based on twin occupancy, and US$43 for three star accommodation.

Etihad Airways passengers taking advantage of the stopover offer can also enjoy two-for-one deals at Ferrari World, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Yas Links and Monte Carlo Beach Club.

Two-for-one safaris or tours can also be claimed from operators Desert Safari and Abu Dhabi City Tour.

The stopover program offer is available to all Etihad Airways guests, as well to passengers travelling on Etihad Airways marketed flights. All passengers must have an onward booking beyond Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner said: “We are delighted to invite people from all over the world to experience Abu Dhabi for themselves. The capital city of the United Arab Emirates has so much to offer both business and leisure travellers.

“This offer is intended to encourage people to make time to get off the flight at Abu Dhabi and explore the emirate – be that with a visit to the Arabian desert, a trip to one of the world’s largest mosques, a tour of the attractions on Yas Island or by sampling the emirate’s world class hotels and restaurants.

“Abu Dhabi is a magical place with something to offer everyone.”

Etihad Airways Win Expedia 'EMEA Airline Campaign Of The Year' For Second Year Running

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:54:28 GMT

Etihad Airways has won the prestigious Expedia online travel campaign of the year award for the second year in a row. The award is bestowed by Expedia Media Solutions, the media division of Expedia Inc.

The 2011 EMEA Airline Campaign of the Year is awarded to an airline which creates the most impactful regional campaign of the year encompassing engagement, creativity, relevancy and stellar results.

Presented to Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner and his commercial team at the ITB travel fair in Berlin, this is the second year running the United Arab Emirates flag carrier has picked up the honour.

Etihad Airways received recognition for implementing great online marketing campaigns which utilised brand integration, user experience and engagement, social media and video strategy as well as driving an impressive market share shift of over 200% during their campaign.

Expedia Media Solutions has been recognising advertising campaigns since 2008. Winning campaigns need to be truly breakthrough – by leading in design, creativity, engagement, integration and innovation as well as offering noteworthy results for the partner.

Noah Tratt, global vice president of Expedia Media Solutions said: “Etihad Airways has continuously outpaced the industry with the level of innovation it brings to online marketing campaigns, so it’s no surprise to see that the brand has created a winning campaign for the second year in a row.

Accepting the award, Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Expedia is a global powerhouse in the field of online travel booking, with widely-acclaimed brand appeal and a loyal customer base.

“To be recognised by them for the second year in row for our success in online sales and marketing is truly an honour, as well as a demonstration of our success in growing the Etihad Airways brand.

“This award reinforces our ongoing commitment to excellence. It is great to see marketing investments paying back and leading us to success as we look to the future with confidence.”

Etihad Airways Announces New Germany General Manager

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:54:23 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced a new General Manager for Germany. Philip Lewin will lead the airline’s German sales and marketing operations, effective April 10.

Mr Lewin has almost twenty years’ experience working in the airline industry, and joins the UAE flag carrier from American Airlines, where he has recently held the position of Country Manager India.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: “Etihad Airways’ operations in Germany are crucial to our network strategy.

“We have invested heavily in the German market and now operate 25 flights a week from three German hubs to Abu Dhabi, and onwards to more than 70 destinations throughout Africa, the Far East, Australasia and the Subcontinent.

“Following our recent strategic partnership with airberlin, improved connectivity over Abu Dhabi, and new route launches, we look forward to Philip taking up his strategically important role.

“He will be instrumental in achieving continued success in the months and years ahead.”

Newly appointed Etihad Airways General Manager for Germany Philip Lewin said: “Etihad Airways is the most exciting airline in the world today. I am thrilled to be joining this winning team and look forward to working in the heart of Europe’s largest outbound travel market.”

Since 2004 Etihad Airways has carried more than 1.8 million passengers on its German routes. The airline inaugurated flights to Munich in 2004, flights to Frankfurt in 2006 and flights to Düsseldorf in 2011. All destinations are served by daily flights*, with Frankfurt operating twice a day.

Etihad Airways also has its own dedicated first and business class lounges at Frankfurt International Airport.

Etihad Airways And NIKI Codeshare Flights Now On Sale

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:14:36 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, and NIKI, an airberlin group subsidiary airline, today announced the sale of joint codeshare flights.

This follows December's historic announcement that Etihad Airways had become airberlin's largest single shareholder.

From today, Etihad Airways will place its EY code on NIKI (HG) operated flights from Frankfurt, flights from Milan and flights from Munich to the Austrian capital Vienna.

Already, Etihad Guest frequent flyer program members can earn Etihad Guest Miles on all NIKI operated flights as part of the existing agreement between topbonus and Etihad Guest.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: "The beautiful city of Vienna is now one step closer thanks to these new codeshare flights.

"This is yet another tangible step in the roll-out and integration of our extensive cooperation with the airberlin group, and we look forward to announcing more destinations as our strategic partnership develops."

Etihad Airways Celebrates Third Daily Bangkok-Abu Dhabi Service

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:14:33 GMT

The President and Chief Executive officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, is in Thailand this week to meet with officials, business partners, media and the airline's Bangkok team to discuss the airline's operations and growth plans.

During the visit, Mr Hogan hosted leading members of the Thai community and trade and industry partners, at a VIP cocktail reception ahead of the airline's eighth anniversary of Thai operations, and to reaffirm Etihad Airways' commitment to the important Thailand market.

Mr Hogan said: "I am delighted to be in Bangkok, and to see for myself the continuing growth in the Thai market in spite of the challenges of last year, which is enabling us to launch our third daily service on the Abu Dhabi-Bangkok route with a Boeing 777-300ER from April 15.

"The past year has been a hugely successful one for Etihad Airways, with excellent financial results, and the announcement of game-changing investments in airberlin and Air Seychelles marking a major step forward in our partnership strategy.

"We have already seen strong interest in airberlin's Abu Dhabi-Phuket flight, and are pleased at the positive contribution these flights will make to tourist arrivals.

"At the same time, our codeshare partnerships with Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines, two of the leading carriers in the region, are offering travellers a range of outstanding choices."

In addition to supporting tourism growth in Thailand through growing its own services and its codeshare arrangements, Etihad Airways is also contributing through its "Amazing Thailand Program", in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, offering a range of special deals and promotions through Etihad Holidays, including great packages, upgrades and offers for vacations in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Samui, strongly encouraging travel to Thailand from not only the UAE, but also the GCC countries, and the whole of the Middle East.

Etihad Airways Brings Ask Ali's Environmental Show Onboard

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:14:29 GMT

Etihad Airways has launched an environmental documentary series hosted by UAE cultural ambassador, Ali Al Saloom, on its new E-BOX in-flight television channels, Documentary and Explore Abu Dhabi.

The series, ‘The Environment Show with Ask Ali’, is part of a long-term collaboration project between the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Ali, who is also the Agency’s Environmental Awareness Ambassador.

In the United Arab Emirates protection of the environment and natural resources conservation has always been a top government priority. Development of environmental policies and conservation programs has been encouraged to ensure a prosperous life for future generations.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are pleased to collaborate again with Ali, this time with the aim of showcasing the natural beauty of the country and the UAE’s leading role in environmental protection.”

“Etihad’s in-flight entertainment service is perfect to highlight the fantastic growth opportunities that exist in Abu Dhabi and at the same time feature initiatives aimed at sustainable development of the Emirate. The new program offers this and much more so our passengers are encouraged to tune in the next time they fly with us.”

Ali has become well known across the UAE for his witty and friendly presentation style on the program that is now available on Etihad’s E-BOX in-flight entertainment system.

“It was a great experience for me to produce this series of videos in cooperation with EAD. I have learned so much about the hidden, often overlooked and underestimated fragile beauty of nature in my home county,” Ali Alsaloom said.

“I am very grateful to Etihad Airways for its continuous support and for giving our humble videos a place above the skies and making them available to all of their guests which will help us spread our environmental message. We are proud of our heritage. Therefore, we must take care of it and protect it so the next generations can be proud of it too.”

H.E Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, EAD’s Secretary General said: “As the environmental regulator in Abu Dhabi, we protect the environment by reducing pollution pressures and by conserving our biodiversity. One of the ways we do this is by working with partners to raise environmental awareness among the community to promote a greater appreciation of our natural heritage.

“This UAE-based short documentary series engages viewers by showcasing some of the best of what our environment has to offer, as well as the challenges we face today.”

Explore Abu Dhabi aims to promote the Emirate as a tourist destination and features current and future environmental, lifestyle, theatre, arts and cultural programs, while Documentary emphasises everything from travel, exploration, science, lifestyle, culture to environmental issues.

Top Articles Tagged with etihad-airways

Etihad Airways celebrates Manchester City title win

Etihad Airways' sports teams set for season climax

Etihad Airways to launch flights to Ethiopia

Etihad Airways Offers 20 Per Cent Off Early Summer Air Fares

2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Tickets Go On Sale Globally

Etihad Airways And SR Technics Rollout iPad Aircraft Type Training Courses

Etihad Airways Signs MOU With China Eastern Airlines

Etihad Airways Signs Loyalty Deal With Cruise Specialist Century Travel

Etihad Airways Extends Sabre Technology Deal To Benefit Airberlin

Etihad Airways Joins Airberlin Counter Card Program

Berlin -- Etihad Airways' New German Headquarters

Etihad Airways Launches "Etihad Superseller" Travel Agent Incentive Program

Etihad Airways Increases Flights To Cairo

Etihad Airways-Airberlin B787 Integration Takes Partnership To New Level

Etihad Airways Offers Stopover Passengers One Night's Free Accommodation In Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways Win Expedia 'EMEA Airline Campaign Of The Year' For Second Year Running

Etihad Airways Announces New Germany General Manager

Etihad Airways And NIKI Codeshare Flights Now On Sale

Etihad Airways Celebrates Third Daily Bangkok-Abu Dhabi Service

Etihad Airways Brings Ask Ali's Environmental Show Onboard