Etihad Airways continues Africa expansion with new flights to Lagos, Nigeria

Etihad Airways today announced the launch of flights to Lagos, the airline’s first destination in West Africa, from July 1, subject to regulatory approvals.
The direct flights will link Abu Dhabi and Lagos six times a week and will be operated by a two class A330-200 aircraft with 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy seats.

Lagos becomes the 83rd destination in Etihad Airways’ global network and the return flights will create a new link between Nigeria, Africa’s third largest economy, and the United Arab Emirates.

Following the launch of services to the Seychelles in November 2011, Tripoli last month and Nairobi in April, the addition of Nigeria marks another milestone in Etihad Airways’ African expansion plans.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The launch of flights to Lagos is consistent with our strategy of targeting areas of strong growth in emerging markets.

“The United Arab Emirates is a major trade partner of Nigeria, which has a population of more than 150 million people, the largest in Africa and the seventh biggest in the world.

“The country is rich in natural resources, such as oil and natural gas. Our new point-to-point services will strengthen the oil and gas links between the UAE and Nigeria and facilitate further growth in these industries.

”The country is also enjoying strong economic growth driven by significant foreign investment, particularly from China, which means there is increasing demand for travel between Lagos and other emerging economies.

“The Lagos schedule will provide seamless connections over Abu Dhabi to key North and Southeast Asian destinations and markets in the India Subcontinent and Australia.”

Etihad dials-up in-flight connectivity

Etihad Airways the Abu-Dhabi carrier officially launched its first aircraft equipped with in-flight connectivity this week, allowing passengers to receive calls and message on their mobiles.

Hooked up to the carrier’s three Airbus A330-300 and one A320 and expected to be available on their second A320 from March this year, the carrier said the system will give passengers full mobile connectivity.

On top of the international roaming rates of the traveller's mobile network provides, the carrier will also charge US$10 for inflight mobile and tablet connection as well as US$20 for laptop Wi-Fi internet.

Etihad Airways chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner said in an online statement that the launch of in-flight connectivity was the carrier’s first step in a long-term strategy of in-flight connection solutions.

“The modern traveller is increasingly reliant on mobile devices and the internet, not only to plan travel, but also to stay in touch throughout their journey,” he said.

The carrier’s A320 is often used to service short-haul service across the Middle East while the A330-300 is used for longer flights to London, Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, Casablanca and Seoul.

Airberlin and Etihad Airways combine frequent flyer programs

airberlin and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will integrate their frequent flyer programs from January 15, 2012, as they roll out their recent partnership.

airberlin topbonus and Etihad Guest frequent flyer program members will earn award and status miles on both airberlin and Etihad Airways flights.

topbonus Silver and Gold Card holders will enjoy additional status benefits such as use of Etihad Airways’ priority check-in and increased baggage allowances.

topbonus Gold Card holders will also be able to access exclusive Etihad Airways lounges in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London and Manchester. Etihad Guest Silver, Gold and Gold Elite members travelling with airberlin will also be able to enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to airberlin’s Exclusive Waiting Areas.

Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Commercial Officer airberlin, said: “Extending our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways to include our topbonus frequent flyer program is a further key step towards making airberlin topbonus even more attractive. Status benefits such as using our new partner’s exclusive lounges and the option of earning topbonus miles on Etihad Airways’ flights are ways of adding real value.”

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner said: “This is another tangible step in the roll-out and integration of our extensive partnership with airberlin. Across our combined network of 239 destinations, this frequent flyer deal amounts to a fantastic proposition for airberlin’s topbonus frequent flyer members and our own Etihad Guest members.”

To celebrate airberlin’s partnership with Etihad Airways and the new non-stop flight from Berlin to Abu Dhabi, airberlin is giving double award miles to all topbonus members on flights marketed and operated by Etihad Airways.

Over the same period, airberlin is also giving away double award miles on tickets booked for their new connection from Berlin to Abu Dhabi.

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Etihad signs major travel service deal

Etihad Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with International Golden Group (IGG) to provide their employees with tailored services, benefits and simplified procedures for all their government-funded travel.

Under the agreement, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Program (ADGETP), Etihad will offer IGG a range of benefits including bonus miles, additional excess baggage allowance, priority services and exclusive travel discounts.
Additionally, IGG has agreed to make Etihad Airways its preferred airline for all air travel and cargo requirements.
Both parties also agreed to look at possible future joint initiatives.
Hareb Al-Muhairy, Etihad Airways' vice president, sales, in the UAE, said: "Etihad is delighted to offer benefits specifically packaged to suit the needs of IGG employees. This agreement affirms Etihad's efforts to offer unprecedented benefits and travel services to government and semi-government employees across Abu Dhabi."
The Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Program has been developed jointly with Abu Dhabi General Services Company Musanada.
Several Abu Dhabi government entities have already joined the program including Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Educational Council, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

Etihad and Air Berlin Form an Alliance

Etihad Airways of Abu Dhabi and Air Berlin, Germany’s second-largest airline, announced a strategic partnership Monday that will see Etihad become Air Berlin’s largest shareholder and gain access to new European routes as it seeks to keep pace with its larger Gulf-based rival, Emirates.

Under the terms of the agreement, Etihad will increase an existing 3 percent stake in Air Berlin to just over 29 percent through the purchase €73 million, or $95 million, in new shares while providing up to $255 million in loans to finance new jet purchases.

The deal also includes a code share agreement giving Etihad access to Air Berlin’s European short-distance network, and to the German capital of Berlin — a destination that Emirates in particular has long coveted in the face of fierce opposition from the German flag carrier, Lufthansa.

The purchase of such a sizeable stake in Air Berlin appeared to be the clearest signal yet of Etihad’s intention to continue its push into the European market at a time when the region’s major players, including Lufthansa and Air France, are struggling to hold down costs and maintain market share against what they claim is unfair competition from subsidized Middle Eastern rivals.

“Overnight, we have gone from having a minimal presence in Europe to a major one,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s chief executive, adding that Etihad was eager to exploit the new access that the Air Berlin deal will give to 33 million new passengers — most of them in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, which have robust leisure and business travel markets.

Etihad, the third-largest Gulf carrier after Emirates and Qatar Airways, has made no secret of its desire to raise its European profile. Industry executives have said the airline is also eyeing the Irish government’s 25 percent stake in Aer Lingus and that it had considered joining Virgin Atlantic’s bid for BMI, Lufthansa’s unprofitable British unit.

Mr. Hogan said Etihad had no immediate plans for further acquisitions in Europe, but he did not rule out future investments. Nor did he envision any further increase in the Air Berlin stake for at least two years.

“This will directly threaten the likes of Lufthansa, who are also worried about the challenging nature of the European airline scene,” said Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research in London. “It cements not just Etihad’s desire to expand in Europe, but also to draw in customers through its Abu Dhabi hub to connect to onward destinations like Asia and Australasia.”

Etihad is the second Gulf airline to make a major equity investment in Europe this year. In September, Qatar Airways bought a 35 percent stake in Cargolux, Europe’s largest freight carrier, which is based in Luxembourg.

Air Berlin, which has not recorded an annual profit in four years, had been seeking a strategic partner for some time and had reportedly approached a number of carriers in the Middle East and Asia about a deal in recent months following the resignation of its founder and chief executive, Joachim Hunold, in August.

The German discount airline’s net debt has risen to around €640 million in November from €489 million at the end of 2010, putting pressure on it to cut costs. To that end, Air Berlin plans to reduce the size of its fleet by 10 percent and has postponed the delivery of 19 new Airbus and Boeing jets that had been scheduled for delivery in 2012 and 2013.

Etihad Airways begins flights to China's Chengdu

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, yesterday began scheduled services between its hub in Abu Dhabi and Chengdu in southwest China.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, will be served by four non-stop services per week.

The chief executive Officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said the new route had special significance as the first and only direct flight between Sichuan province and the UAE.

"This is a day of cele-bration for the airline and the communities at both ends of the route. The new services will open convenient new gateways for travel to and from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and stimulate growth of trade between the UAE and China, already the Emirates' third largest trading partner."

Demand forecast

Hogan said forecast demand from the passenger and cargo sectors was strong and the airline expected to go daily when commercially viable.

"The Chengdu Mun-icipal Government and airport authorities have been great supporters and we look forward to working together to make the route a commercial success."

The Mayor of Chengdu, Honglin Ge, said: "The commencement of Etihad Airways services to Chengdu is an exciting event for the people of Chengdu and we are delighted to welcome them joining us to promote the development of an air transport hub in Chengdu."

Etihad Airways will operate a two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the sector with 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy class seats.

Award winner

Etihad Airways has been honoured for its commitment to the environment at China's 2011 Top Travel magazine awards.

The Environmental Contribution of the Year Award is bestowed annually on travel companies that demonstrate global leadership in corporate social responsibility. The honour was for the airline's efforts in saving washing water and cleaning fluids, and for an improvement in fuel efficiency from reduced aircraft drag.

The CEO of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said the airline was delighted to win the award.

Etihad launches Tripoli flights

United Arab Emirates' national carrier Etihad Airways will launch its first flight to Tripoli, Libya's capital, on January 17.

The thrice a week flights (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays) will be operated by an Airbus A320 which offers 162 Coral Economy seats.

“We are delighted to be able to launch these flights and do all we can to help the country get back on its feet at this critical point in Libya’s history,” said Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan.

Initially, Etihad will fly to Tripoli via Alexandria in Egypt, however, nonstop flights will be offered once Tripoli's infrastructure can support the airline.

Etihad's flights will depart Abu Dhabi at 8am and arrive at Alexandria at 10:30am. From Alexandria, it will take off at 11:15am and will land Tripoli at 2:15pm.

Tripoli is Etihad's fifth North African destination and 73rd globally.

Etihad Airways celebrates three years in Russia

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is celebrating three years of its non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Moscow.
The airline commenced operations to the Russian capital on December 1, 2008, and since then has carried almost 200,000 travellers on the route.
Five weekly flights became a daily service in 2009, and seat load factors have increased in each year of operation.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “Over the past three years, we have worked hard to respond to growing demand from business as well as leisure travellers in what is one of the key destinations on our network.
“With the addition of a number of new network connections in 2011, we are on track to carry a record number of passengers on the Abu Dhabi-Moscow route this year.
“Our aim is to be the airline of choice for business and leisure travellers, whether flying to Abu Dhabi or transferring through to destinations across the GCC, Indian Sub-Continent, Southeast Asia and Australia.”
Etihad Airways operates a two-cabin Airbus A320 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Moscow. This configuration means 1,904 seats a week – 224 in Pearl Business, and 1,680 in Coral Economy.
Guests travelling to Moscow in Pearl Business have access to Etihad Airways’ premium complementary door-to-door luxury limousine service, complete with a personal chauffeur (within the Moscow MKAD Ring Road to and from the airport).
Since May 2010, the airline has also made it easier for Russian nationals to obtain a UAE visiting visa, through the TT Services online visa application centre.
In August this year, Etihad Airways expanded its codeshare agreement with Russia’s S7 Airlines. The revised deal allows Etihad Airways and S7 passengers to book flights from four Russian regional cities, Kazan (KZN), Samara (KUF), Krasnodar (KRR) and Saint Petersburg (LED) for travel to and from Abu Dhabi and beyond, connecting with Etihad Airways’ daily Moscow services.
“We remain committed to building the Etihad Airways brand in the Russian market, offering customers great choice, connectivity, and value,” said Mr Hogan.
“Working closely with our codeshare partner S7 Airlines, the travel industry, the business community and governments, we look forward to deepening the strong relationship between Russia and the United Arab Emirates.”

Etihad Airways announced daily Johannesburg service

Etihad Airways today announced significant changes to its daily Johannesburg service from January 24, 2012.

Improvements to the Johannesburg flight timings will provide new morning and evening departure options from both Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg.

The new flight timings have been designed to offer business and leisure passengers maximum flexibility when formulating their travel plans, and to better connect Johannesburg to Etihad Airways’ global network.

Importantly, the new flight timings will establish seamless connection opportunities to Etihad Airways destinations on the Indian Subcontinent, and across North and South Asia.

Mr James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “We believe this new schedule will open up a number of opportunities for our Johannesburg service and could eventually enable us to introduce a second daily flight.”

Under the new schedule, all Etihad Airways flights to South Africa will terminate in Johannesburg, and no longer operate through to Cape Town. The airline is examining other means of serving the Cape Town market, and already has in place arrangements to offer passengers fast and seamless connections in partnership with local carriers.

The airline began flying to Johannesburg in December 2005 and in the last six years has carried more than half a million passengers to and from South Africa.

Etihad Airways’ guests with existing bookings affected by the new schedule will be contacted shortly to discuss these changes and to make alternative bookings where necessary.

New Johannesburg schedule, effective Tuesday, January 24, 2012:

Flight #	Departs	Departure Time	Arrives	Arrival Time	Frequency
EY602	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	22:10	Johannesburg (JNB)	04:45 +1	Three per week: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
EY601	Johannesburg (JNB)	09:15	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	19:30	Three per week: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
EY604	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	10:35	Johannesburg (JNB)	17:20	Four per week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
EY603	Johannesburg (JNB)	20:30	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	06:45 +1	Four per week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday