Etihad Airways to launch new direct service between Sydney and Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced today that it would start direct flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi in March of this year.

The new three times a week service will be flown by a three-class Airbus A340-500 aircraft. The first flight will leave Abu Dhabi on 26 March 2007, arriving in Sydney the following day at 6:15am (local time). Flight frequency on the route will increase to a daily operation from 29 June 2007.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive said: "I am proud that Etihad is the newest overseas based airline to be granted rights to fly into Australia. We look forward to playing a key role in further developing the growth of commerce and tourism between Australia and the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi and the Gulf region more generally.

"As well, through our Abu Dhabi base, we will provide Australian business and leisure travellers with one-stop access to the Middle East region, as well as key international cities across Europe.

Australia is a key destination in our expansion plans for the airline. We very much look forward to establishing and building our presence in this country," Mr Hogan said.

Etihad currently serves 47 destinations from Abu Dhabi, with its network of destinations continuing to grow rapidly.

The Ambassador of the UAE to Australia, Dr Saeed Mohammed Al-Shamsi said, "I welcome the commencement of direct flights between Australia and Abu Dhabi. This will undoubtedly serve to further strengthen the growing trade, tourism and cultural ties between Australia and the United Arab Emirates."

Sydney will be Etihad Airways' fifth destination in the Asia-Pacific region joining Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta.

Flight Information
From 26 March, Etihad flight EY450 will initially operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday departing Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10.10am, arriving Sydney International Airport 6.15am the following day. The return service EY451 departs Sydney each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 3.20pm, arriving Abu Dhabi 0.10am. All times are local.

The Airbus A340-500 aircraft serving the route will be configured in three classes of travel; 12 in Diamond, 28 in Pearl and 200 in Coral.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.

Currently Etihad flies to 47 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Website: www.etihadairways.com