Tag Archives: Etihad Airways

Etihad marks opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi with A380 fly-by

Hundreds of visitors from around the world, attending the official public opening celebrations of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, were treated to a low-level fly-by of the Jean Nouvel-designed museum by one of Etihad Airways’ flagship Airbus A380 aircraft. Sporting the airline’s ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery, the aircraft chosen for the display also features Louvre Abu Dhabi’s official logo on each of its four engines, to promote the opening of the institution. Two specially equipped helicopters were also positioned above the capital to capture air-to-air filming of the aircraft as it flew over the museum. Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “Echoing the sentiments from the signing of our landmark partnership agreement with Louvre Abu Dhabi last month, Etihad Airways is honoured to play its part at the inauguration of this universal institution. We, as the UAE’s national airline, are poised to play our part in bringing millions of guests to our home to experience this modern wonder of art first-hand.”

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Over 300 travel agents attend Abu Dhabi roadshows in UK and Ireland

The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi’s UK and Ireland office organised its annual trade roadshow in partnership with Etihad Airways. The team visited Glasgow, Manchester, London and Dublin, showcasing the destination to a total of 330 travel agents. Throughout the roadshow, agents were made aware of all the new exciting offerings in the destination, including the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, new hotels under construction and the packed calendar of events the emirate provided, as well as providing attendees with further destination knowledge and advice on selling packages. The UK is the leading European market and the third largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi, with 2017 arrivals (as of September) at 173,103, a 5 per cent increase compared to 2016 figures. Events kicked off in Glasgow and Manchester, where 140 agents met with stakeholders to gain knowledge about Abu Dhabi. A holiday package to Abu Dhabi was also given out at the event. Held at The Mayfair Hotel in central London, 120 agents attended to network and meet with stakeholders.

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Etihad to suspend Dallas/Fort Worth route in 2018

Etihad Airways announced the suspension of its Abu Dhabi – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) route effective March 25, 2018, as it will become commercially unsustainable following American Airlines’ unilateral decision to terminate its codeshare agreement with the airline. Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “The unfortunate decision by American Airlines to terminate a commercial relationship that benefited both carriers has left Etihad with no choice but to suspend flights between our Abu Dhabi home and Dallas/Fort Worth. We are open to American Airlines reversing its decision to cancel our codeshare agreement so that Etihad Airways can continue the route and together support global connectivity while driving commercial value for both airlines.” The route commenced with three flights a week and was upgraded to a daily service in February 2017, providing travellers in the US and across the airline’s network with access to more US cities through American Airlines’ primary hub. Almost half of Etihad Airways’ DFW customers connect on US codeshare flights operated by American Airlines.

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Apple Pay on Etihad

Etihad Airways is now providing its customers Apple Pay, transforming mobile payments with a fast, secure and convenient way to pay for flights and travel. Available on the Etihad Airways mobile app, Apple Pay allows customers, for the first time in the UAE, to pay securely with just a touch of a finger. Etihad Airways’ customers can now buy flights and other products such as ‘Extra Legroom Seats’, ‘Preferred Seats’ and excess baggage with their iPhone or iPad by simply touching a button. Each transaction is authorised with a one-time unique dynamic security code. Justin Warby, Vice President Digital Strategy and Innovation, Etihad Airways, said, “We are proud to partner with Apple Pay to bring the latest mobile payment and technology innovations to our guests in the UAE and around the world. We were able to quickly adjust the release cycle of our mobile app to ensure we coincided our launch with Apple in the UAE.” Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by credit and debit cards.

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Etihad brands five aircrafts with Alibaba’s Tmall and Alitrip for Global Shopping Festival

The latest partnership of Etihad Airways and Alibaba’s Tmall and Alitrip for the Global Shopping Festival 2017 includes five specially-branded exteriors of aircrafts which will depart from Abu Dhabi to four destinations in China – Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong. In the coming month, the aircrafts will carry this unique branding to over 40 cities across Etihad Airways’ global network. Tmall’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival has quickly become the largest and most influential online shopping festival in China. The partnership executes China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, facilitating economic ties and cultural exchange between China and UAE. At the same time, it takes Chinese culture to Europe, the US and Africa via the Abu Dhabi hub. Etihad Airways continues to build its long-term relationship with Alibaba Group. With access to nearly 200 million registered Alitrip users, the online store has significantly enhanced Etihad Airways’ digital reach in the Chinese market. By seizing the opportunities presented by the Tmall 11.11 Global Shopping Festival 2017, the two parties will expand their innovative partnership across the ecommerce arena.

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Louvre Abu Dhabi enters partnership with Etihad Airways

Louvre Abu Dhabi has signed the first exclusive platinum partnership with Etihad Airways. The ceremony took place under the museum’s dome and its ‘Rain of Light’ effect. Louvre Abu Dhabi will officially open on November 11 as an iconic landmark on the city’s geographical, cultural and tourist landscape. H.E. Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Department of Culture & Tourism–Abu Dhabi, said, “This important partnership comes at an exciting time as we prepare for our grand opening next month. Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways not only bring people from around the world to Abu Dhabi, but they are both universal in nature. For the museum, this idea of universal is about understanding human connections from the beginning of time until the present through art. We look forward to celebrating Louvre Abu Dhabi’s opening with the support of our Platinum partner.” As a platinum partner, Etihad will work closely with Louvre Abu Dhabi on areas of brand partnership, marketing, social media, public and media relations, events and exhibitions, cultural exchanges, cargo support, inflight programming, and travel trade support. Etihad Airways’ destination management company, Hala, will collaborate with the museum on bespoke tour packages in Abu Dhabi. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said, “Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal institution showcasing the achievements of mankind in art, in culture, in humanity – a beacon welcoming visitors to these shores for generations to come. Etihad Airways and Louvre Abu Dhabi are two leading characters in the same story and we share a deep bond. As the national airline of the UAE, flying from Abu Dhabi to the world, we are also a universal connector of people. Together with our partners at …

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Etihad to fly to Azerbaijan from March 2018

Etihad Airways will launch flights to Azerbaijan’s capital Baku from March 2, 2018. The new route is being introduced to capitalise on the growing demand for flights between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. The service will be operated thrice a week using a 136-seat Airbus A320, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy. Azerbaijan introduced a visa waiver programme for UAE nationals in November 2015 and expanded it to other GCC nations in early 2016. This prompted a surge in travel from across the GCC to the emerging tourist destination located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering visitors access to vast areas of unspoiled nature and centuries-old culture. Baku, which sits on the Caspian Sea, is the country’s primary gateway and commercial centre. Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “The creation of the first ever air corridor linking the two capital cities demonstrates the importance of strengthening business, tourism and cultural ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan.

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Etihad introduces additional flights to Medina for winter

The Abu Dhabi-Medina Etihad Airways will introduce three additional weekly services during the peak winter period. Effective from February 1, 2018, the current overnight departure from Abu Dhabi will be replaced by a mid-morning flight offering an attractive schedule for travellers flying between the UAE’s capital city and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The schedule will improve connectivity to a number of destinations served by Etihad Airways across the Indian subcontinent. The airline will also increase frequency to 10 flights a week for two months between December 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 to cater to increasing demands. The additional capacity will be operated with a two-class Airbus A320 featuring 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said, “The re-timing of our Medina flights to a daytime operation and introduction of additional services strengthen our business proposition and commitment to the Saudi Arabian market.”

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Etihad first to offer automated credit card payments

Etihad Airways is the first airline in the region to offer fully-automated credit card installment plans in partnership with PayFort, an online payment service provider in the Arab region. The initiative allows Etihad Airways to offer consumers who book directly via Etihad.com that range from three to 60 months. 17 of the region’s leading banks are taking part in the programme. Justin Warby, Vice President Digital Strategy and Innovation, Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad is committed to continually enhancing the travel experience by providing greater choice and flexibility to our guests while ensuring we make it as easy and secure as possible to transact through our direct channels, including Etihad.com. By partnering with PayFort we’re able to offer fully automated, best in class technology solutions provided by the industry leaders. We’re taking a global outlook and bringing best practice to the region. ” With over 20 payment methods available on its website, Etihad Airways offers diverse payment solutions to meet both global and local needs. Warby said this initiative was designed to assist low to medium income travellers and families by empowering them with the ability to book travel without the burden of having to pay for it up front. Etihad Airways created its specialised Digital Transformation & Innovation team as an in-house research, development solution delivery programme to lead the airline’s digital transformation. Its mission is to turn Etihad Airways into the industry’s leading, integrated airline capable of harnessing emerging technologies and capabilities, big data and innovation to create a product and service offering unique to the individual passenger.

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airBaltic to commence Latvia-Abu Dhabi flights from Oct 29

Latvian airline, airBaltic in code share with Etihad Airways, will launch a direct service between Riga and Abu Dhabi on October 29, 2017. The four-times weekly service will depart from Abu Dhabi at 9:45 am, providing travellers from the UAE and surrounding Gulf countries with excellent and convenient access not only to the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, but also to the northern European destinations of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Russia.  To promote the flights and act as the airline’s General Sales Agent (GSA) within the UAE, airBaltic has selected AVIAREPS. Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic, says, “We are delighted to link Latvia and the UAE with our brand-new Bombardier aircraft. Riga is a notable business and leisure hub in Northern Europe, attracting millions of passengers every year. In addition to that, our clients appreciate the convenient transfer possibilities we offer to over 60 destinations in Scandinavia, Russia and the CIS.”

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