Feb 6, 2010

February 02, 2010

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, commenced operations to Japan today with the launch of its Nagoya-Abu Dhabi service.

Etihad will initially fly four times a week to Nagoya, via Beijing, increasing to five flights a week from 29 March, operating two-class Airbus A330 aircraft on the route.

Etihad will expand its Japan operations with the launch of Abu Dhabi-Tokyo services on 27 March.

With the addition of Nagoyo and Tokyo to its network, Etihad offers services to eight destinations in the Far East (including Beijing, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur) and 60 worldwide. Convenient connection times will ensure that flights between Japan and Etihad's European and Middle East flight network, via Abu Dhabi, will be popular with business and leisure travellers.

Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways' Country Manager Ireland, said: "The two new destinations in Japan are a brilliant addition to the Etihad network especially for Irish travellers. Last November Etihad Airways marked its sixth birthday and this announcement further demonstrates the vision and growth that has been undertaken within these first six remarkable years."
James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive officer, said: "These new services, our first to Japan, are very important to Etihad. We believe the connection between Abu Dhabi and Nagoya will offer opportunities to grow tourism, as well as foster commercial growth and benefit key industries - particularly energy, environmental services and manufacturing, for which Nagoya is becoming a centre of excellence."

In addition to its own operations, Etihad will also offer codeshare services with Japan's ANA from 1 March, offering connections for Etihad passengers from Nagoya to Chitose and Fukuoka and through Tokyo's Narita Airport to Osaka, and for ANA passengers, connections to Etihad's worldwide network via its Abu Dhabi hub.

In addition to codesharing, a mileage tie-up program and combination of passenger services will be implemented as part of the agreement.

Etihad currently operates seven flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Dublin. The additional three flights will enable the airline to operate a double-daily service three days a week - on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

About code-share with ANA

All Nippon Airways and Etihad Airways have agreed to launch code-share flights and a collaborative mileage program. Members of both Etihad Guest and ANA Mileage Club will be able to earn miles through flying either of the airlines, as well as receive privileges. Etihad Airways has also requested ANA to manage airport services for domestic flights, such as the handling of check-in services.

About Etihad Airways

·      Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.
·      Currently Etihad offers flights to 60 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
·      In January 2009 Etihad Airways made the announcement of a new code share agreement with Aer Arann which will provide travellers from Cork, Galway and the Isle of Man with greater access to 60 destinations around the world through its Abu Dhabi hub.