Etihad Airways Operates First Flight to the Maldives

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:14:03 GMT

Etihad Airways’ first flight to Malé touched down to a colourful welcome in the capital of the Republic of the Maldives this afternoon.

EY flight 278 was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute and the 146 passengers were greeted by local Bodu beru (big drum) dancers and singers performing on the tarmac.

Forward bookings for the daily Airbus A320 service indicate the route is already becoming one of the most popular in the airline’s global network.

“This is a very exciting day for Etihad Airways and we are thrilled to add another new destination, particularly one that is so important to the leisure traveller,” Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, said.

“We look forward to developing strong ties between the UAE and the Maldives and take our responsibility to bring more people to this part of the world very seriously.

“It is such a highly desirable destination for our customers, not only from Abu Dhabi but also from Europe,” Mr Hogan said.

Etihad Airways’ schedule offers an attractive afternoon arrival and evening departure and European travellers can take advantage of overnight flights in both directions, offering them a full extra day in the Maldives.

The Maldives is made up of close to 1,200 islands grouped into natural atolls; including 200 inhabited islands and 97 resort islands, with a population of close to 300,000 people. The region features deep blue seas, sandy beaches and turquoise reefs, and with its tropical climate and warm temperatures year round, is a renowned honeymoon and leisure destination.

Simon Hawkins, managing director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation said: “On the behalf of our tourism industry, the business community and the whole domestic population we are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways to the Maldives.

“As the world’s premium island beach destination, we are highly dependent on the connectivity from the international airlines. To have a premium airline providing such a high frequency and quality of service as Etihad Airways is tremendously important for us.

“At a time when the Maldives is recording its highest numbers of visitors and reaching new markets, this is fundamental to our continued economic growth. We very much look forward to a long and healthy partnership with Etihad Airways for many years to come,” Mr Hawkins said.

Tomorrow (2 November) Etihad Airways starts flying from Abu Dhabi to the Seychelles, the first of four flights a week to the capital Mahé.

Etihad Announces Ireland Recruitment Drive for 100 Jobs

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:15:36 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced a recruitment drive in Ireland to find at least 100 new Irish employees to support its growth around the world.

Etihad already employs more than 90 Irish staff at the airport, its Dublin line maintenance operation and across its global network.

Now the airline is aiming to more than double those numbers.

Etihad Chief Executive Officer James Hogan, who is in Dublin to participate in the Global Irish Economic Forum at Dublin Castle, said: “We’ve built close relationships with Ireland and with Irish communities around the world since we began our service to Dublin four years ago.

“We have directly invested more than €16 million into Ireland over that time. That money has gone into our premium lounge and ground operations at Dublin airport, our Dublin Line Maintenance Centre and of course our sponsorship commitment as a supporter of GAA hurling. And our operating costs and Irish aircraft financing deals see tens of millions more every year coming into the Irish economy from Etihad.

“Next month, we are holding cabin crew recruitment Open Days in Dublin and we are hoping to hire at least 100 employees from this market.”

Etihad launched its Dublin to Abu Dhabi flights in 2007. Today it operates 10 flights a week into the UAE’s capital city, offering onward connections to another 70 destinations around the world.
Etihad has flown more than 640,000 guests on the route and carried more than 9,000 tonnes of cargo.

Mr Hogan said: “I’ve been a passionate supporter of bringing flights to Dublin and I’ve been delighted by the response we have had for the last four years.

“At Etihad, we make a real effort to embed ourselves into the local culture of our destination markets and become a partner in trade and tourism. Ireland has been a shining example of how that partnership can work and we highly appreciate the support we have received.

“Over the coming months and years, you will see that support repaid with continuing investment in the route and in our relationships here in the Irish market.”

Etihad’s recruitment Open Days will be held at the Burlington Hotel on 30 November and 1 December 2011. Etihad is also planning to hold Open Days in Belfast and Cork.

Etihad Airways' Best Ever Q3 Revenues Up 39%

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:39:47 GMT

Etihad Airways today reported revenues growth of 39 per cent to US$ 1.1 billion (Q3 2010: US$ 785 million) on passenger numbers up 18 per cent to 2.25 million (1.9 million) in the airline’s strongest ever third quarter. Seat factor increased by 3.8 per cent to 80.7 per cent, the highest quarterly result in its history.

Operating costs rose 12 per cent, on a 12 per cent rise in capacity, while non-fuel costs rose only 7 per cent.

The airline has 81 per cent of its fuel hedged for the rest of 2011.

Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, said these figures contributed to strong profitability at an EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals) level and the airline had moved into monthly operating profitability.

“Despite the continuing challenges of high fuel prices and economic downturn in many of the markets in which Etihad operates, we are seeing strong growth in all our key commercial indicators,” Mr Hogan said.

“We are doing this by creating and marketing the world’s leading air travel product, while maintaining a rigorous focus on costs.

“Our clear target is to break even in 2011 and this is another big step in the right direction for us. We are well on track to delivering a continuing financial return to our shareholder.”

The quarter saw consistently strong performance across all markets. Particularly popular routes included those to the Americas (New York, Chicago and Toronto), Asia Pacific (Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Manila, Sydney and Melbourne), Cairo, London, Dublin, Athens and Istanbul.

Etihad has added six aircraft to its fleet in the last 12 months, enabling the airline to build greater depth into its schedule and increase weekly frequencies to key markets including Paris, Manchester, Milan, Geneva, Brussels, Bangalore, and Manila.

In the coming months Etihad will begin flying to six new destinations: the Maldives (from November 1), the Seychelles (November 2), Chengdu in China (December 15), Düsseldorf (December 16), Shanghai (March 1, 2012) and Nairobi (April 1, 2012).

“Next year we take delivery of another seven passenger aircraft – four B777-300ER aircraft, plus three A320-200s – so the careful, strategic expansion of our global network will continue apace,” Mr Hogan said.

Etihad Crystal Cargo also performed well during Q3, with revenue up US$ 37 million to US$ 168 million (US$ 131 million), supported by a 16 per cent year-on-year growth in tonnage (from 66,916 to 77,623 tonnes) and a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in average yields.

In July, Almaty became a freighter destination, while a new B777 freighter entered service which now operates six times a week to Shanghai. In September, Etihad expanded its Johannesburg operations to include a twice weekly dedicated freighter operation.

The record results were released just days after Etihad was named Airline of the Year in the UK’s Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Awards and was voted Business Airline of the Year by readers of The Guardian and Observer newspapers, the latest in a series of awards recognising its service in key global markets.

Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival Set to Take Place in Abu Dhabi

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:43:24 GMT

Photo caption:

Etihad cabin crew members, Lenka Horakova and Patra Apichairuk join in the fun with two players from Abu Dhabi Harlequins under 7s side.

Etihad Airways’ fourth annual Junior Rugby Festival is set to take place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on October 17 through to October 29, with a record 2,200 school children aged between 5 and 18 years planned to participate.

The festival, which is the largest youth rugby event of its kind in the region, consists of two key events – the Etihad Airways Harlequins Rugby Schools and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Harlequins Junior Rugby Tournament.

Through its sponsorship of London-based rugby club, Harlequins, Etihad has again secured the participation of ex-Irish International and Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, who will scout local youth rugby talent during the events. Also in attendance will be Harlequins’ first team player, Ollie Smith, and members from the Harlequins Community Rugby Coaches.

This year will see Harlequins’ mascots, Harley and Charley, join the players and coaches for the very first time at the rugby schools before embarking on a tour of Abu Dhabi to visit a selection of schools and major landmarks.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Etihad Airways is proud to deliver its fourth Junior Rugby Festival. Building on the success of last year’s festival, this year we are set to see children participating from more than nine countries, including Russia, UK and several countries from the GCC.

“We very much appreciate the close partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and with support from our global sporting partners, we remain committed to bringing sports excitement to Abu Dhabi and the region and contributing to the development of local grassroots sport.”

Marcus Hurry, Deputy CEO, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, added: “HSBC is proud to be the presenting partner of one of the biggest junior rugby competitions in the region. At this year’s Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival, HSBC Ambassador, Jason Robinson will lead a number of coaching clinics for kids.”

”The UAE is fast developing into a regional and international hub for rugby and we hope to help continue to grow the game here with our support for the game at all levels through our growing portfolio of rugby partnerships.”

As the Supporting Partner of the event, Abu Dhabi Sports Council is assisting with the organisation of schools to attend the event and with an outreach day to the Western Region.

Mohammed Al Mahmood, Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s General Secretary, said: “The Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival is a fantastic sporting initiative for the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The outreach day in the Western Region will enable local children to experience rugby for the first time.

“Abu Dhabi Sports Council wishes to express its support, and thanks Etihad Airways, Harlequins and all the event partners for leading the way with the Middle East's youth rugby programme."

Conor O’Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby, added: “Harlequins are honoured to continue supporting Etihad in their efforts to develop rugby within the UAE. With Rugby World Cup fever gripping the nation, the Harlequins club staff and players are excited about attending the Festival later this month and it is a great chance for us to see the local talent first hand.”

The inaugural Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Festival took place in 2008 and attracted more than 1,600 youngsters, both local and international, who took part in the rugby clinics and two-day junior tournament.

Following the Rugby Schools, Etihad Airways will jointly host with the Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club the region’s largest junior rugby tournament on October 28 and 29, also at Zayed Sports City. More than 1,800 children, a record for the yearly event, will take part in the two day knockout tournament.

Etihad Airways Announces Onboard Wireless Internet by End of Year

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:54:40 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, will provide onboard wireless internet on selected routes to Europe before the end of the year.

Speaking today at the World Broadband Forum in Paris, Etihad CEO James Hogan said: “I can tell you that Etihad will have two aircraft with operational onboard internet by December this year, and five aircraft by March, 2012.

“Three of those five aircraft will be Airbus A330-300s, which will operate between Abu Dhabi and cities like Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Munich and Paris. And we are right at the point now of settling on a fleet-wide connectivity solution for the years to come.”

He added airlines around the world now faced pressure from customers to make broadband internet access standard on all flights, but cautioned the industry to invest wisely in wireless innovation.

He said: “Perhaps the biggest challenge is to stay in synch on this incredibly fast and exciting journey into the future. Annually, airlines invest billions in aircraft and millions in inflight entertainment and other trappings, years before the aircraft enter service. Changes in technology move at the speed of light... There is an ever present danger of investing heavily in a system or hardware that is likely to be obsolete by the time it rolls off the production line.”

In a wide-ranging speech concerned with the effects of the internet revolution on the aviation industry, Hogan said wireless processes enabled huge financial savings to be made.

“The associated changes now deliver around $18bn in efficiency savings each year, some of which is passed on to customers, some of which enables continued reinvestment.”

He added Etihad’s online sales in July, 2011, were up 71 percent on the previous year.

“The day is approaching when the greater part of our selling and CRM will be digital, particularly via smartphone and tablet devices,” he said.

Etihad Airways Signs Four Year Extension of Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sponsorship

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:19:45 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the Formula One Group yesterday signed an agreement extending the airline’s title sponsorship of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX for four years, effective through to the 2015 event. Etihad has been title sponsor for the event since the inaugural FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX in 2009. James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO, and Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO, were on hand to pen the multi-million dollar deal.

Mr Hogan said: “This sponsorship extension goes against the current commercial trend of shorter sponsorship terms and demonstrates our long-term commitment to Formula One. We have seen that F1 is a highly effective vehicle, no pun intended, for promoting the values of the Etihad brand and showcasing our home city of Abu Dhabi to a massive global audience.

“The additional four year term also allows us to strengthen our footprint with F1 and leverage our investment in their global platform more strategically. I am thrilled to build on the already excellent relationship with Formula One.”

Mr Ecclestone added: “The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been an immense success for Etihad, Abu Dhabi and for Formula One, bringing the airline and destination to an estimate worldwide audience of more than 500 million F1 fans. The influx of visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi also brings a direct economic benefit, with over 20,000 people pouring into the UAE for the event, representing tens of millions of dollars for the local tourism industry.”

As part of the partnership, Etihad will continue to promote the event globally through its various communication channels and marketing programs. The airline also continues to fly its two F1™-branded liveried aircraft to destinations across its network. One of these specially-painted aircraft will again do a flyover of the Yas Marina Circuit to open the 2011 event.

Etihad continues to receive a major trackside advertising package and podium branding for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX is the first F1™ twilight race, with powerful lighting ensuring a seamless transition from day to night.

Photo Caption: On September 6, James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO, and Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO, inked a four-year extension for Etihad’s title sponsorship of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX.

About Etihad
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 68 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America (New York, Chicago and Toronto), with a fleet of 57 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.etihadairways.com.

About Formula One™
Formula 1™ racing is the world’s most popular annual international sporting series and in 2010 was watched by 527 million unique television viewers from 187 territories. The 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship™ is scheduled over 19 races in 18 territories across 5 continents. The Formula One Group is led by Bernie Ecclestone.

Etihad announce fifth weekly flight to Casablanca from Abu Dhabi

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:04:10 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, this week celebrates its fifth anniversary of non-stop services between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca with the announcement that it will increase capacity on the route by adding a fifth weekly flight.

The airline commenced its operation to the commercial capital of Morocco in June 2006, and since then has carried more than 300,000 travellers and nearly 6.5 million tons of cargo on the route.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our Casablanca operation has exceeded our expectations over the past five years, and we are pleased to be able to build on this success with an additional service. We remain committed to building sustainable ties in the North African region, and deepening the strong relationship between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.”

Etihad currently operates a three-cabin Airbus A330-200 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca, configured to carry 200 passengers – 10 in Diamond first class, 26 in Pearl business, and 164 in Coral economy.

In addition to carrying passengers between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca, Etihad offers seamless connections to many popular onward GCC destinations including Jeddah, a choice of Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Manila, the Indian Subcontinent, Sydney in Australia and Johannesburg in South Africa.

Moulay Hicham El Kadiri Boutchich, Etihad’s Country Manager for Morocco, said: "Etihad has enjoyed consistently high load factors across all cabins since the launch of flights to Casablanca from Abu Dhabi in 2006 and we are very proud of that success. We will continue to look at ways to make our service more accessible for all of our customers – business and leisure.

"The additional weekly flight will open new horizons for our commercial activities in Morocco and will offer our customers more flexibility in their travel to Abu Dhabi and onto the airline worldwide network."

Etihad extended its codeshare agreement with Royal Air Maroc in September 2010, allowing Etihad passengers to travel from Casablanca to Agadir, Laayoune, Fez and Marrakech in Morocco, and Nouakchott in Mauritania and Dakar in Senegal.

Etihad Airways key dates during five years of services to Morocco:

2 June 2006 – inaugural Abu Dhabi-Casablanca service commenced with three frequencies per week;

July 2006 – launch of a fourth weekly Abu Dhabi-Casablanca flight;

September 2009 – opening of a new Etihad Airways office in Casablanca;

September 2010 – expansion of codeshare agreement with Royal Air Maroc, allowing both companies to expand their offerings to Morocco, the Gulf and West Africa;

July 2011 – launch of the fifth weekly flight Casablanca / Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways announce fifth weekly flight to Khartoum

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:10:25 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has celebrated both its fifth anniversary of non-stop services between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum and the introduction of its fifth weekly flight on the route.

The airline commenced flights to Sudan in July 2006, and since then has carried more than 200,000 travellers and nearly 6.5 million tons of cargo on the route.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad is experiencing a period of rapid expansion with the launch of many exciting new destinations and the arrival of new aircraft. Our services to Khartoum have exceeded our expectations over the past five years, and we are pleased to be able to build on this success with an additional flight. Khartoum is a special destination for us due to the established cultural and commercial ties between Sudan and the UAE.”

Etihad Crystal Cargo has been successfully operating freighter flights to Khartoum for more than six years. Currently cargo freighter operations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum offer a payload of up to 46 tonnes on each flight, three times a week.

“Cargo services have been extremely successful, with the capacity being well utilized. We look forward to building on these high payloads and gaining new customers,” added Mr. Hogan.

Etihad currently operates a two cabin Airbus A320-200 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum, configured to carry 136 passengers – 16 in Pearl business and 120 in Coral economy.

In addition to carrying passengers between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum, Etihad offers seamless connections to many popular onward GCC destinations and a choice of Asian destinations such as Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Manila, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe and Sydney in Australia.

The 19 staff members based in Etihad’s Khartoum office work in sales, finance and operations, offering a wide variety of services including reservations and ticketing, visas to UAE, hotels and holidays packages and a dedicated corporate team.

Mohamed ElNoman, Etihad’s Country Manager for Sudan, said: "Etihad has enjoyed consistently high load factors across all cabins since the launch of services between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi in 2006 and we are very proud of that success. The additional weekly flight will open new horizons for our commercial activities in the Sudan and will offer our customers more flexibility in their travel to Abu Dhabi and onto the airline’s worldwide network. As well, the recently announced operations to Chengdu and Shanghai in China will add extra value for our clients from Sudan.”

Etihad Airways announce Düsseldorf to become their 71st Destination

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:36:28 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced it would commence services to Düsseldorf in Germany from December 16, 2011.

Düsseldorf is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is the airline’s 71st destination. It will be connected to the airline’s hub and home base in Abu Dhabi initially by four non-stop return services per week, rising to a daily service in mid-April 2012. The route will be served by an Airbus A330-300 series aircraft, in a three-class configuration.

James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “The new Düsseldorf services will connect the capital of the UAE with the Düsseldorf catchment area – the second largest in Europe outside of London – which also includes the eastern part of the Netherlands. Düsseldorf and the region is an exciting destination too for inbound business and leisure travellers from Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

A key benefit to travellers of the non-stop Abu Dhabi-Düsseldorf service is convenient flight arrival and departure times and network connectivity at the airline’s hub.

The schedule has been designed to provide convenient departure and arrival times and seamless onward connections to Etihad’s extensive network across almost 40 markets. This includes destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Indian subcontinent, and two of the airline’s newest routes – the Maldives and Seychelles.

“Düsseldorf was the logical next step in growing our European passenger operations. By growing direct point to point traffic between the two cities, we look forward to strengthening ties between the capital of the UAE and Germany. We will do this by offering passengers great destinations, value and onward connectivity, and by forging sustainable commercial, tourism, and cultural links between the communities at both ends of the route,” Mr Hogan said.

Christoph Blume, CEO of Düsseldorf International Airport stated: "We’re delighted to welcome Etihad Airways to Düsseldorf International Airport. Etihad is one of the most respected airlines in the world offering a high-class service in combination with a broad range of destinations on five continents. This is why Etihad and its base in Abu Dhabi perfectly fit with the route network expansion of Germany’s next-generation hub at Düsseldorf. Due to the economic power and the central location of both destinations in two major regions of the world, we are certain of the potential and the long-term nature of the new connection between Abu Dhabi and Düsseldorf.”

About Etihad

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 71 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 61 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.etihadairways.com

Etihad Airways Head of Environment is apppointed to the chair of the International Air Transport Association Environment Committee

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:47:07 GMT

The Head of Environmental Affairs at Etihad Airways has been appointed to chair the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Environment Committee.

Ms Linden Coppell, an environmental and corporate social responsibility specialist, will chair the IATA Environment Committee for the next two years. The committee is responsible for environmental communication and developing and monitoring the aviation industry’s position on key challenges, including climate change and emissions management.

Ms Coppell said: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this role. The IATA Environment Committee has been instrumental in achieving a unified position on climate change for the airline industry and the development of environment policies and strategies. I look forward to working closely with the committee members and airline environment representatives to further advance our progress in this field.”

Ms Coppell has more than 18 years’ experience in environmental affairs and has held various environmental roles for major organizations including Cathay Pacific Airways where she was the airline’s Environmental Manager. She was appointed as Etihad’s first manager of Environmental Affairs in January, 2009, and has spent the last three years developing and implementing a corporate environmental strategy for the Abu Dhabi-based airline. She represents Etihad on various committees including the regional Arab Air Carriers Association Environmental Policy Group. She also Chairs the Waste Management Task Force of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group.

Etihad announce non-stop daily flights to Shanghai

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:18:55 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced plans to expand its network in China with daily non-stop, return services between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai – subject to government approval.

The new flights, scheduled to commence on 1 March 2012, will make Shanghai the airline's 70th global destination.

Etihad Airways' Chief Executive Officer James Hogan announced the new services today in an address to 300 representatives of the global aviation industry who are attending the Aviation Outlook China Summit in Shanghai this week.

"Shanghai, the most populous city in mainland China, is a strategically important addition to Etihad's China network.

"Together with our daily flights to the capital Beijing, the Shanghai route will offer travellers competitive access to the two biggest centres for commerce, trade, government, culture, and tourism in China.

"For travellers originating in China, this means a wider choice of convenient flight options to the UAE, Middle East, Europe, and North America, and on the way, the award-winning combination of luxuriously appointed aircraft, best-in-class service, and some of the finest international cuisine in the sky.

"Through Etihad's efficient Crystal Cargo operation, we also intend to pursue growth of the valuable export trade for high tech and other commodities."

Today's announcement follows a press conference in Chengdu yesterday, where Mr Hogan released details of the airline's planned new services to the Sichuan province.

"The commencement of services to Chengdu and Shanghai and this week's increase in frequency to Beijing are major investments of aircraft and commercial resources into China. It reflects our confidence in the current strength and future potential of the inbound and outbound travel markets," Mr Hogan said.

Etihad will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the Abu Dhabi-Shanghai route, configured in Pearl Business and Coral Economy class.

Etihad reports very successful half year performance

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:13:37 GMT

Etihad Airways today reported its most successful first half year, with revenues up 28 per cent to US$ 1,720 million (H1 2010: US$ 1,342 million), driven by solid performances in both passenger and cargo activities.

A 2 per cent reduction in costs per available seat kilometre, despite large increases in oil prices, also helped deliver a positive EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals) in the six months from January 1 for the first time.

The results mark continued progress towards the airline’s goal of breaking even this year and moving into sustainable profitability in 2012.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said the results were achieved despite a still fragile economy and, at times, difficult operating conditions.

They were released as Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, prepares to significantly expand its global network.

Last week flights to two new Chinese cities, Chengdu and Shanghai were announced and services to Male and the Seychelles start on November 1.

“These are exciting new destinations for us. China is a huge market and Chengdu is the economic centre and transportation and communications hub of the country’s booming southwest region.

“Shanghai is the most populous city in mainland China (23 million) and when combined with our daily flights to the capital Beijing enables us to offer local passengers convenient flight options to the UAE, Middle East, Europe and North America.

“We are determined to build a schedule which increases customer choice and attracts local point-to-point traffic in line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan,” Mr Hogan said.

“Also, we will continue to connect our high growth and emerging markets to Abu Dhabi and the world by linking them through the UAE capital while at the same time expanding our high value premium markets and traffic flows.”

The delivery of five new wide-body passenger aircraft – three A330-300s and two B777-300ERs during the 2011 Summer allowed frequencies to be increased to several major markets.

Manchester becomes a double -daily destination from August 1. Daily services were also introduced to Geneva, Milan and Beijing, while two extra flights to Brussels enabled the Belgian capital to be serviced eight times a week.

Mr Hogan said passenger revenues rose 21 per cent on the back of a 14 per cent growth in passenger numbers to 3.8 million and 5 per cent growth in passenger yield.

Despite political unrest in the Middle East and the Japanese earthquake, seat factor increased to 72.9 per cent (H1 2010: 72.5 per cent).

Etihad’s cargo operations enjoyed strong growth with revenues up by 32 per cent in the first half of the year, bolstered by improvement in tonnage and yields.

“This is a wonderful achievement and Etihad Crystal Cargo plays a hugely important part in the on-going success of the airline as it now contributes 20 per cent of our direct operating revenue,” Mr Hogan said.

These results reflect higher utilisation of the freighter fleet, increased business segmentation and an expansion of trucking operations in the GCC.

They were driven by a strong commercial awareness and a focus on optimising network cargo flows.

Cargo revenue surged out of the United Kingdom, the UAE, Germany, China and India,

Just last week Etihad took delivery of its first Boeing 777 Freighter, joining its cargo fleet of two Airbus A330-200F, two Airbus A300-600F aircraft and two McDonnell Douglas MD11s.

Etihad Crystal Cargo now operates to 26 cargo freighter destinations internationally and to 83 destinations across the globe.

So far this year new freighter services have also been launched to Johannesburg, Amsterdam and Kabul while the frequency of cargo services to Milan, Frankfurt-Hahn, Shanghai, Nairobi and Erbil has also been expanded because of growing demand..

. Other highlights for the first half of the year included

• Being named the airline with the Best First Class in the world for the second year running in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Awards.

• Acknowledged as the Middle East’s Leading Airline in the World Travel Awards, as voted by 213,000 travel industry professionals.

• The introduction of 100 qualified international chefs dedicated to food service excellence in Diamond First class cabins. This five-star restaurant style of service in the sky will begin on selected routes from October and be fully available on all flights offering First class by the end of the year.

• Agreements signed with three new code-share partners; Air Astana, Air New Zealand and Czech Airlines, which became Etihad’s 31st airline partner.

• The success of Etihad’s comprehensive partnership with Virgin Blue. The launch of V Australia’s Sydney-Abu Dhabi services in February enabled the airlines to offer a total of 24 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia

• The graduation of Etihad’s first female Emirati co-pilot Salma Al Baloushi from the airline’s cadet program

• The dramatic expansion of Etihad’s Emiratisation scheme which will see 864 UAE nationals employed by the end of the year, representing 18 per cent of Etihad’s total workforce (up from 13 per cent in 2010.)

About Etihad
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 70 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 57 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.etihadairways.com

Etihad announce flights to Chengdu in southwest China

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:35:43 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it would commence services to Chengdu in southwest China from December 15, 2011 – subject to government approval.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and the airline’s 69th destination, will be connected to the airline’s hub and home base in Abu Dhabi by four non-stop return services per week.

Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said the airline’s new Abu Dhabi-Chengdu service would provide the first ever flight link between the United Arab Emirates and Sichuan province.

"The new Chengdu services will connect the UAE with the economic centre and transportation and communication hub of China’s booming southwest region.

"This will further stimulate the growth of commerce and trade between the UAE and China, already the UAE’s third largest trading partner.

"It will also provide a new, more convenient gateway into southwest China for business and leisure travellers from Europe and the Middle East and a faster, new route to Europe and the Middle East for the rapidly growing Chinese outbound travel market.

“With the purchasing power of the Chinese consumer rising in synch with annual GDP growth of 7.5 per cent to 2030, the Chinese travel market has enormous latent potential. The new service will position Etihad strongly to grow its services to daily and beyond.”

A key benefit to travellers of the Abu Dhabi-Chengdu service is convenient flight arrival and departure times and network connectivity at the airline’s hub.

"The schedule has been designed to provide convenient departure and arrival times for both business and leisure customers and seamless onward connections to Etihad’s extensive network across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa,” Mr Hogan added.

While in Chengdu for the announcement, Mr Hogan met municipal government and airport representatives and discussed opportunities for continuing business and cultural exchange between China and the UAE.

"We will continue to work together to strengthen ties between the UAE and China and help forge strong, new links between the communities at both ends of the route," Mr Hogan said.

Chairman of Sichuan Airport Group Mr Li Wei said: "Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has been focusing on the construction of infrastructure, the soft environment and consistent improvement of service levels.

"Etihad Airways is a reputable and well-established airline. We are glad to see Etihad starting a direct service from Chengdu to Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to having more airlines here.

"We are dedicated to building Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport as the international gateway to central and western China, and the fourth largest air transport hub in China," Mr Li added.

Etihad will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration on the sector – offering 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy class seats.

About Etihad:

Etihad Holidays has a range of holiday and touring options that combine the best of Chengdu and the Sichuan province. It offers package holidays and tailor-made experiences to suit any budget and travel style. Travel packages include flights, hotel accommodation, tours and excursions.

About Chengdu:
The city of Chengdu has a population of approximately 11 million people, while Sichuan province has more than 80 million inhabitants.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is currently China's 5th largest. Passenger and cargo volumes have almost doubled over the past five years.

Chengdu is world-renowned for its giant panda breeding and research base.

Foreign tourism growth reflects Chengdu’s growing popularity as a travel destination.

Etihad launches new inflight kids' packs in time for summer holiday season

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:30:45 GMT

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched new kids’ packs, custom-designed to keep children content and entertained when flying with the airline. The launch of the new kits is well timed with the beginning of the busy summer season as more and more families take holidays with children.

Lee Shave, Vice President Guest Experience for Etihad Airways, said: "Travelling to new and exciting destinations is a special way for families to spend quality time together, but understandably, young children can get impatient with the journey time.

"We have observed that much of the traditional travel experience is aimed to suit adults, so we designed these kids’ packs to be both entertaining and educational, ensuring that both parents and children are happy."

The kids’ packs include Etihad’s own children’s characters – Jamool the Camel, Kundai the Lion, Boo the Panda and Zoe the Bee – featured on fun, themed carrying bags. Inside, children will find items like colour-in finger puppets, sliding puzzle key rings, activity books, coloured pencils, card games, tic tac toe games and stickers, with the signature characters appearing throughout.

The packs will be available to children in every cabin on all flights longer than 1 and a half hours.

Additionally, on Etihad’s ultra long haul flights to Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Chicago, Toronto and Brisbane, younger guests will be surprised with a second gift of entertainment later in the flight – mini, magnetic versions of multi-player games such as Snakes and Ladders, Chess, Draughts and Chinese Checkers.

Etihad offers a variety of products and services designed to make family travel more enjoyable. State-of-the-art inflight entertainment programs offer more than 600 hours of movies, TV shows, music and interactive games, including a “kids only” channel. On ground, Etihad’s signature premium lounges in Abu Dhabi Airport, London, Manchester and Dublin offer Family Rooms equipped to keep children busy and happy, with books, toys, television and an exciting children’s menu. Further, Etihad premium lounges in Abu Dhabi offer nannies to watch over children, taking care that they are safe, engaged and enjoy their time at the airport.

About Etihad Airways:
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. The airline flies to 66 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Etihad and Linfox Armaguard announce joint venture

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:51:06 GMT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the Linfox-owned Armaguard Group have announced the formation of a joint venture to transport valuable goods around the globe.

The partnership will see Armaguard establish a presence in Abu Dhabi under its ACM brand - the brand used as the international face of Australian Armaguard services - known in Abu Dhabi as ACM UAE.

The announcement was made by Etihad Airways and Armaguard at Armaguard's headquarters at Essendon Fields in Melbourne.

Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said: "This new joint venture allows Etihad to enhance our growing global air freight business by leveraging the ground transport and security expertise of Armaguard to offer a new service for our freight customers across our extensive global network.

"The ability to transport precious cargo including jewellery, precious stones, gold, and artworks is an important next step for our cargo business - particularly given Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a capital for arts and culture, with world-famous organisations like the Louvre and the Guggenheim in the pipeline.

"Clearly Etihad is building a significant presence in Australia, with several strong partnerships - including our game-changing alliance with the Virgin Blue Group - and bases established across the country, and we are very pleased to be working with another great Australian company on this very important venture."

Armaguard Managing Director, Keith Broadhouse, said the company was excited about expanding into the United Arab Emirates.

"Armaguard has been in New Zealand for some time under the international brand ACM and to be able to grow the ACM brand further is part of our international growth strategy.

"We have been looking at expanding beyond Australia and New Zealand for some time. Coupling our world's best practise currency management model with the fastest growing five-star airline in the world will enable us to provide an outstanding service with superior reach.

"This expansion is a good fit for both Etihad and ACM as it reinforces our comprehensive growth strategies over the next 3-5 years.

"We look forward to a prosperous future with our new partner and the business opportunities this will present us with."

Attending the announcement at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva congratulated both companies on the joint venture agreement.

"The Victorian Government welcomes this partnership which further strengthens our State as a regional leader in aviation services ranging from training and maintenance to airport design and management and now air freight security".

Notes to editors:

About Etihad Airways:
Etihad Airways is based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and operates passenger and cargo services to 66 global destinations and cargo-only services to 13 destinations.

About Armaguard:
Armaguard is an iconic Australian brand established in 1938. It has become the dominant player in the Australian cash logistics, currency management and precious cargo markets and more recently in New Zealand under the ACM brand. It was acquired by Linfox in 2003 and has the most comprehensive nation-wide coverage throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Etihad launches Essential Abu Dhabi Airbus A330-300

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:24:10 GMT

Etihad Airways has taken its recently launched 'Essential Abu Dhabi' marketing campaign to new heights, with the unveiling of special 'Visit Abu Dhabi in 2011' livery on an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which is set to take the message to Etihad's destinations around the world.

The Etihad Airways aircraft took off from Abu Dhabi for a celebratory flight across the United Arab Emirates, with a group of special needs children from Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, taking in some of the country's top landmarks.

Key partners of the initiative, which aims to enhance the emirate's position as a leading tourism and MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions) destination, including the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, and Abu Dhabi media representatives, were also on board.

Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, Peter Baumgartner, who hosted the flight, delivered a message to guests about the importance of the campaign to Etihad and Abu Dhabi, and highlighted the many sophisticated business and leisure attractions that Abu Dhabi now offers.

The unveiling of the three-class A330-300 aircraft, which features the airline's new Diamond First Class cabin and which will fly to London, Geneva, Frankfurt, Paris and Mumbai as part of the Essential Abu Dhabi campaign, is just the start of a number of high profile promotional activities planned in the coming months.

Peter Baumgartner said: "The unveiling of this new aircraft livery with our message to the world to come and Visit Abu Dhabi further underlines our commitment to the growth and awareness of Abu Dhabi, not only as a tourist destination but as a place to do business in a dynamic and friendly environment.

"Since we launched the Essential Abu Dhabi marketing campaign with our partners, we have seen a tremendous amount of excitement and interest from people right across the globe, as well as with local audiences."

The initiative, which for the first time brings together all of Abu Dhabi's major tourism operators, is designed to promote the very best the UAE's capital has to offer through a wide range of deals in its hotels, dining outlets, shops, adventure parks, cultural attractions and sports facilities.

Using the 'Pass to the Magic', an Etihad Airways boarding pass, visitors - both tourists and business travellers alike - are enticed to spend time in the emirate to enjoy the impressive array of free or discount offers available through the various 'Essential Abu Dhabi' partners.

The website provides dedicated pages for hotels, restaurants, Yas Island, entertainment, shopping, arts and culture, adventures and golf, while an 'Essential Abu Dhabi' on-board brochure is available for passengers to pick and choose from.

"We wanted to provide a convenient 'one stop shop' that will serve as both a directory for the city whilst providing exclusive offers on a range of products and services for our visitors."

To take advantage of the offers, visitors on flights to Abu Dhabi simply present their Etihad boarding card at participating outlets to redeem the offers within seven days of arriving into the city.

- Ends -

About Etihad:
Etihad Airways is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. The airline was set up by a Royal Decree in July 2003, with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as its hub. Etihad started commercial operations in November 2003.

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