Category Archives: Etihad Airways

Emirates and Etihad announce interline expansion

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE. This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalise on opportunities to boost tourism to the UAE from key source markets by enabling visitors to experience more than one destination in a single itinerary.  

This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport. The new agreement also provides travellers planning to explore the UAE with the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey and convenient baggage check-in.

In the initial stages of the expanded interline, each carrier will focus on attracting visitors to the UAE by developing inbound interline traffic from select points in Europe and China. The ‘open jaw’ arrangement will allow visitors to cover as much ground as possible when exploring Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate, saving time by removing the need to fly home via their arrival airport. Customers travelling into the UAE also have the option of ‘multi-city flights’, with the choice to travel from one city on both carriers’ networks, and conveniently returning to another point served by either Emirates or Etihad.

The MoU was signed at Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Airways, in the presence of Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, and Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad CEO, along with other senior representatives. 

The expanded interline partnership draws upon the commitment of both airlines to support the UAE government’s objective to promote tourism to the UAE and enhance the UAE’s position as a preferred global destination. Tourism is one of the key pillars of the UAE Economy and is expected to contribute to 5.4% of the nation’s total GDP, or AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion), supporting over 1 million jobs by 2027.*

This is the second time the airlines have announced a collaboration. In 2018, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen aviation security, including the sharing of information and intelligence in operational areas both within and outside the UAE. Last year, Emirates signed an MoU with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, to boost tourist numbers to the UAE capital from key source markets across the airline’s global network.

Etihad Airways unveils its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner seats

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is showcasing a suite of new products and enhancements at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this week. The airline revealed the new interior for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will join the fleet in the third quarter of this year adding to the 39 Dreamliners Etihad already operates.

Etihad means Business

The Business cabin features Etihad’s unique, stylish interior, with a customised version of the Elements seat manufactured by Collins. Etihad is the first airline in the world to introduce the Elements seat on the Boeing 787.

The new seats will provide guests with a comfortable and spacious environment with added privacy provided by a suite door. The height of the suite has been further increased from the A350’s debut model, offering even greater privacy for guests.

Each of the 32 Business seats has direct aisle access with the cabin designed in a 1-2-1 configuration offering comfort, convenience and privacy whether travelling individually or with companions. The seats recline to a fully lie-flat-bed 78” in length and feature a 17.3” 4K TV screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, multiple charging ports and wireless charging, as well as plenty of storage.

Elevating Economy

In Economy, the newest 787 will feature 271 seats which are lighter in weight than the current fleet and therefore more fuel efficient. The seats boast exceptional comfort and an increased feeling of space created by the smart design and adjustments including a slimmer profile armrest. Guests can also enjoy an extensive range of entertainment on the 13.3” 4K touch-screen monitor which also includes a convenient USB charging port.

Both cabins offer a stylish environment and the highest standards of comfort whether guests choose to rest, work or enjoy the award-winning inflight entertainment.

Experience upgrades

Technology throughout: The new 787 Dreamliner provides the latest in inflight entertainment technology from Safran. Exciting new features include Rave Ultra 4K monitors, Bluetooth headphone pairing and the option to pair personal phones and tablets to the screen and use as a remote.

The 787 Dreamliner is fitted with a new connectivity solution from Viasat using Ka-band technology which offers high-speed Wi-Fi with streaming capabilities on board as well as Live TV, including news and sport channels.

Etihad’s E-BOX also offers hours of entertainment which caters to a broad range of guests and preferences. Hundreds of blockbuster movies from Hollywood to Bollywood are accompanied by a broad range of Arabic, Asian and European content. In addition, popular TV shows, music, podcasts and games will ensure guests are entertained throughout their journey.

Never miss a moment with free Wi-Fly: In a sweep of product enhancements that arrived on board this year, Etihad introduced new Wi-Fly packages on its wide-body fleet with Chat and Surf packages offering unlimited data. Etihad Guest members, including those who enrol instantly just before the flight, are rewarded with free ‘Chat’ packages while they fly.

The free Chat packages provide access to popular messaging apps such as What’s App, WeChat, Messenger and more. Generous Surf packages offer unlimited data for the full flight duration.

Armani/Casa and Etihad unite to create a phenomenal Business Class experience: Etihad’s unique partnership with Armani/Casa has now fully rolled out across the airline’s Business class cabins, providing guests with an unparalleled Business experience. The range features bespoke dining ware and soft furnishings designed in collaboration with celebrated international designer brand Armani/Casa.

Dine in Economy with Etihad’s environmentally conscious service: Etihad’s new Economy dining service is not only stylish but also part of a closed loop recycling system, thereby creating a circular economy that removes single-use plastic entirely. The dining equipment has been designed to provide a quality experience for Etihad’s guests, while being functional for Etihad’s crew as well as reducing the impact of the operation on the environment.

Etihad Cargo adds a new route to Wuhan

Etihad Airways Cargo (Etihad Airways) Boeing 777-FFX A6-DDE (msn 62745) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 936052.

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has added a fourth gateway destination to its Chinese network with the introduction of weekly flights to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in the Hubei province of China. The inaugural flight arrived in the Hubei Province on April 29, 2023.

The airline currently offers five passenger flights to Shanghai, Beijing Daxing and Guangzhou each week. With the commencement of two weekly freighter services between Abu Dhabi and Wuhan, Etihad Cargo will operate a total of ten freighter services to China, offering an additional 100 tonnes of cargo capacity into the Hubei Province each week. This brings the carrier’s total cargo capacity for China to 1,000 tonnes per week, including 850 tonnes of cargo capacity for Shanghai offered via eight weekly freighter services and two passenger flights. 

The new flights between Abu Dhabi and Wuhan will give Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers greater accessibility to 25 domestic Chinese destinations, including Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Nanjing, via SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network, further enhancing Etihad Cargo’s connectivity and capabilities in the region. 

Wuhan is the fourth Mainland Chinese destination to be added to Etihad Cargo’s network. The carrier will be increasing frequencies to China in the coming months to add further depth to its network and meet increasing capacity demands from customers in the UAE and China.

Flight schedule for Abu Dhabi – Wuhan services, effective 28 April 2023:

FlightDepartingTime*ArrivingTime*AircraftDays
EY 9651Wuhan06:30Abu Dhabi10:5577XSaturday
03 7511Wuhan02:10Abu Dhabi06:25B747FWednesday
EY 9650Abu Dhabi16:30Wuhan04:00 (+1)77XFriday
03 7512Abu Dhabi19:25Wuhan06:30B747FWednesday

*All times local

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Cargo (Etihad Airways) Boeing 777-FFX A6-DDE (msn 62745) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 936052.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery

Etihad Airways plans to triple passengers, double fleet amid strategy shift

From Reuters:

“Etihad Airways aims to triple the number of passengers it carriers to 30 million and nearly double its fleet to 150 planes by the end of the decade, the airline’s chief told Reuters in an interview in New Delhi on Thursday.

Etihad’s plans come amid a shift in its strategy to focus on medium to long-haul destinations, moving away from operating ultra long-haul flights where competition is intense and profitability challenging, CEO Antonoaldo Neves said.”

Read the full article:

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/etihad-airways-plans-triple-passengers-double-fleet-amid-strategy-shift-2023-04-27/

Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines connect their hubs and expand network

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has reinforced its commitment to the Chinese market with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s SF Airlines. Following the MoU, both carriers will start operating flights via their respective fleets to the other carrier’s hub in April, which will enable the UAE’s national carrier to expand its reach into China via SF Airline’s extensive in-country network.

The new partnership between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines will provide Etihad Cargo’s customers with greater connectivity to 25 domestic destinations in China via SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network, further enhancing Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the region. In February 2023, the carrier launched an additional direct freighter service to Shanghai, increasing the total number of freighter flights per week to eight. This MoU is the latest step by Etihad Cargo in expanding its operations in China and will see the carrier utilising SF Airlines’ Chinese network to transport cargo to other destinations in China via the Chinese carrier’s Hubei Province mega hub. Etihad Cargo will operate the flights on a Boeing 777 freighter, with services commencing on 28 April 2023 in line with this partnership. 

SF Airlines, the cargo arm of SF Holding, operates the largest cargo air fleets in China. Via the capacity-sharing agreement with SF Airlines, Etihad Cargo will provide greater market access to key destinations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Etihad Airways launches new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages

Etihad Airways launches new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages making it easier than ever to stay connected, chat with family and friends, and browse the web while flying on Etihad’s wide-body fleet.

Everyone flying on Etihad will benefit from complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight by signing in with Etihad Guest membership or simply enrolling online before flying to benefit immediately. The free chat feature includes access to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat to name a few.

Guests wishing to surf, catch up on social media and work while they fly, can also choose to purchase ‘Surf’ Wi-Fly plans available for a flat fee with unlimited data for the duration of the flight. For flights under 7 hours, the Chat package is $2.99 or free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $9.99. For flights over 7 hours, the Chat package is $4.99 or also free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $19.99.

Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive tier members as well as guests travelling in Etihad’s First Class cabins will benefit from complimentary Surf Wi-Fly access throughout their flight. Etihad Guest Gold members will receive a 25% discount on the Surf package.

Etihad’s narrow-body fleet continues to offer the current mobile connectivity service allowing guests to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and use their data roaming packages as they would on the ground.

Keeping you entertained while you fly 

As well as connecting to the world through mobile and internet connectivity, guests flying on Etihad can enjoy its award-winning inflight entertainment service, E-BOX, which caters to a broad range of travellers from the youngest ‘Little VIPs’ to the young at heart. E-BOX is available on-demand through the seat-back screens on the wide-body fleet or by streaming E-BOX wirelessly to guests’ own devices on the narrow-body fleet

In addition to hundreds of blockbuster movies from Hollywood to Bollywood, as well as Arabic, Asian and European content, guests can enjoy TV shows, music, podcasts and games. There are also seven live broadcast sports and news TV channels to keep up to date with current affairs or catch a live match while on board.

On any aircraft, guests wishing to switch off and relax will be treated to Etihad’s award-winning comfortable cabins, delicious food and renowned Arabian hospitality from the Cabin Crew.

 Flights (on wide-body aircraft) less than 7 hoursFlights (on wide-body aircraft) longer than 7 hours
Chat Package$2.99$4.99
Free for Etihad Guest Members
Surf Package$9.99 or 1200 Etihad Guest Miles$19.99 or 2400 Etihad Guest Miles
Free for guests travelling in First Class, as well as Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive Members.Etihad Guest Gold Members will receive a 25% discount.

Etihad Airways increases to daily service to Toronto on May 30

Following the recently expanded air services agreement between the UAE and Canada, Etihad Airways has announced it will increase flights to Toronto.

On May 30, 2023, Etihad Airways will introduce an additional weekly flight between Abu Dhabi and Toronto, on top of its current six-per-week flight schedule, to offer travellers a daily connection.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Etihad will this year mark 18 years since it began serving Toronto in October 2005.  The carrier has an interline agreement with WestJet and a codeshare with Air Canada which allow guests to benefit from seamless connectivity in Toronto to more than 15 destinations.

Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines move closer with a MOU

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and China Southern Airlines, Asia’s largest airline, are set to explore deeper and broader cooperation opportunities following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience.

Following Etihad’s move to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which is also China Southern Airlines’ hub, the MOU provides scope for expansion of the current codeshare co-operation and allows the partners to explore extending global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs, providing passengers with a more valuable, convenient and high-quality travel experience. This is further enhanced by Etihad services to China Southern’s home hub at Guangzhou Baiyuan, introduced in October 2022.

The MOU also contains plans for mutual procurement opportunities across ground handling, cargo handling, bonded warehousing, catering, and maintenance, repair and overhaul in either Guangzhou, Beijing or Abu Dhabi, broadening cooperation opportunities in the airline supply chain.

Etihad Airways successfully completes its inaugural flight to Beijing Daxing International Airport

 Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), began its first scheduled flight between Abu Dhabi and Beijing Daxing Airport on March 28, 2023.

The inaugural flight EY888, operated using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marked the move of regular flights from Abu Dhabi to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Previously, Etihad operated to Beijing Capital International Airport.

Etihad Airways’ first outbound flight departed Beijing Daxing on March 30th, allowing travellers choosing Abu Dhabi as their destination or a stopover to explore the emirate’s breathtaking landscapes, a thriving arts and culture scene, top shopping destinations, magnificent attractions and world-class events; or connecting passengers with access to more than 70 destinations via our Abu Dhabi hub.

Etihad Airways has recently added popular destinations such as Düsseldorf, Copenhagen and Lisbon, expanding Etihad Airways’ European network while providing travellers with more convenient travel and holiday options.

Etihad to add two new routes from its Abu Dhabi hub to Copenhagen and Düsseldorf

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMB (msn 60756) MAN (Brian Worthington). Image: 960031.

Etihad Airways and Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, will offer increased capacity to the European market via two new gateways with the introduction of two new routes from its Abu Dhabi hub to Copenhagen in Denmark and Düsseldorf in Germany. The carrier will also introduce additional services to Frankfurt.

The carrier currently operates seven passenger and four freighter flights per week to Frankfurt. From May 1, 2023, Etihad Cargo will increase weekly flights from eleven to 15 with the introduction of four new services.

From October 1, 2023, Etihad Cargo will provide cargo capacity out of Denmark with the introduction of four weekly flights. The reinstatement of three weekly flights to Düsseldorf, in combination with the airline’s widebody passenger and freighter flights to Frankfurt and Munich, will offer additional cargo capacity out of Germany. The flights will be operated via state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Frankfurt

The 11 new flights, in combination with the carrier’s existing European services and increased frequencies that will be launched in 2023, will bring the total number of flights to European destinations to 700 per month.

Etihad Cargo currently offers four dedicated freighter services from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam and two weekly freighter flights to Frankfurt, which connect to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the US. Additionally, Etihad Cargo’s customers benefit from cargo capacity across Etihad’s extensive passenger network. The carrier also provides seamless connectivity to offline destinations in Europe via its road feeder service network.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMB (msn 60756) MAN (Brian Worthington). Image: 960031.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad Cargo signs MOU with Astral Aviation to expand African network

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation Ltd to expand the partnership between the two parties and enhance the cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, further growing Etihad Cargo’s reach into the African market.

Through the comprehensive MoU, Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from additional cargo capacity out of Nairobi via the introduction of additional services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi from April 1, 2023.

The expansion of the partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation will further enhance Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market. In 2021, the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across the continent. The SLA was Etihad Cargo’s first Pharma Interline agreement and ensured the carrier’s partners’ full compliance with latest IATA Pharma and GDP regulations and standards.

This latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the UAE’s capital, supported by Etihad Cargo. 

The agreement will see Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo sharing up to 50 percent of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights, increasing the capacity Etihad Cargo offers air cargo and air mail customers. Via Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub, the carrier’s global network will offer connectivity to destinations around the world. Etihad Cargo will utilise its expansive road feeder service network to transport cargo arriving in Abu Dhabi from Nairobi to destinations throughout the UAE and other offline stations.

Astral Aviation flies a reliable schedule network to 20 destinations and a charter network to 50 destinations from its Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg and Liege Hubs, Astral flies to more destinations then any African carrier.

Astral operates fleet of B747-400F, B767-200F, B757-200F, B727F, DC-9F and F50F,

Astral is the only African carrier with a diverse-fleet from 7 tons to 110 tons.

Top Copyright Photo: Astral Aviation (Air Atlanta Icelandic) Boeing 747-48EF TF-AMU (msn 27603) LGG (Rainer Bexten). Image: 951189.

Astral Aviation aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad Airways adds frequencies to Frankfurt

Etihad Airways is increasing its services to Frankfurt, Germany.

From May 1, 2023, the airline will add an extra four services a week to its current daily frequency, bringing the total number of flights to Frankfurt up to 11 weekly.

The additional flights will be operated by one of Etihad’s ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, designed with customer comfort in mind, boasting 28 seats in Business and 262 in Economy.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMH (msn 60765) (Greenliner) MUC (Tony Storck). Image: 960014.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery: