In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner soared over the Yas Marina Circuit’s iconic start-finish line at 600 feet, precisely at 16:44:55….reports Asian Lite News
Racing fans were treated to a spectacular, low-level fly-past just minutes before the start of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by aircraft from Title Sponsor Etihad Airways and Al Fursan Al Emarat, the UAE’s aerobatic display team.
Coinciding with the airline’s 20th anniversary year, the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew over the iconic start-finish line of Yas Marina Circuit at an altitude of 600 ft, at precisely 16:44 and 55 seconds.
The flight was operated by four of Etihad’s most experienced pilots, including Captain Driss Moussaoui who is also celebrating 20 years of flying for Etihad this month. He was joined on the flight deck by senior captains Abdullah Saleh, Mohammed al Tamimi, and Mimmo Catalano.
Following shortly behind in a V formation, Al Fursan Al Emarat’s seven Aermacchi MB-339NAT jet aircraft – representing the seven emirates of the UAE – displayed vapour trails in the red, green and black colours of the UAE’s national flag.
Officials from the Abu Dhabi-based carrier have refrained from making any official comments regarding their departure…reports Asian Lite News
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is set to discontinue its flights to and from Dhaka starting from October 29.
According to the Daily Star reports, The airline is taking this step due to the substantial funds that have become inaccessible in Bangladesh, coupled with other commercial challenges it is currently facing, according to sources within the aviation industry. The ongoing US dollar crisis is identified as a significant factor hindering airlines from repatriating their earnings.
A representative from the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh, who maintains close ties with Etihad but requested anonymity, mentioned that Etihad is exploring the possibility of reallocating its aircraft to routes experiencing high demand in the post-Covid era, The Daily Star reported.
Notably, officials from the Abu Dhabi-based carrier have refrained from making any official comments regarding their departure.
Katrina Kaif shares her excitement about the association: “I am thrilled to be back with Etihad Airways, a brand synonymous with world-class travel experiences…reports Asian Lite News
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced its partnership with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif as the new brand ambassador. This collaboration marks an important milestone as Etihad strengthens its presence in the Indian market and reunites with one of India’s most celebrated Bollywood stars.
Katrina Kaif, renowned for her global appeal and elegance, embodies the shared commitment to excellence as she reunites with Etihad. Her association with the airline will be unveiled through a captivating series of videos to be showcased across Etihad and Katrina’s social channels.
Katrina Kaif shares her excitement about the association: “I am thrilled to be back with Etihad Airways, a brand synonymous with world-class travel experiences. The airline’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to bringing people together resonate with my own values. I am excited to be part of a team that aims to create thoughtful connections and memorable experiences. I look forward to representing Etihad and being a part of their journey.”
Amina Taher, Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Sponsorship at Etihad Airways, explains the significance of this collaboration: “We are thrilled to welcome Katrina Kaif to the Etihad Airways family as our brand ambassador. Our partnership with Katrina is far from ordinary, it embodies the spirit of innovation and sophistication our airline represents, while celebrating our commitment to uniting cultures and communities. With her remarkable journey and global recognition, we’re not only showcasing Etihad’s offerings, but also fostering authentic connections that genuinely resonate with Indian travellers and celebrating our commitment to India.”
The new partnership builds on Katrina’s collaboration with Etihad in 2010 when she was featured as a discerning traveler showcasing Etihad’s travel experience. Her prior partnership showcased her appreciation for the airline’s commitment to comfort and top-notch service. Returning to partner again, Katrina and Etihad are showcasing Etihad’s strengthening relationship with Indian communities both domestically and in significant global markets such as the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
As the brand ambassador for Etihad, Katrina will be featured in a series of creative and engaging campaign videos that highlight the airline’s commitment to unparalleled comfort, flawless service, and seamless global connectivity. Her partnership with the airline bolsters its foothold in the Indian market, where it currently serves 8 Indian cities, further solidifying Etihad as the preferred choice for travelers and aligning seamlessly with the airline’s strategy for sustained growth in India.
The first video from the collaboration to be unveiled features Katrina Kaif on board Etihad’s newest A350 aircraft, offering a cinematic journey filled with emotions akin to a Bollywood film – featuring drama, love, and delightful surprises. The film also highlights the exclusive Armani-Casa dining wear, luxurious bedding, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fly service, beautifully encapsulating the very essence of Etihad’s unwavering commitment to excellence. The captivating film can be seen on both Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels now.
The awards recognised Etihad’s commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration…reports Asian Lite News
Etihad Airways has been named Environmental Airline of the Year 2023 for the second year running in the Airline Ratings awards.
The Airline Ratings awards acknowledge the best of the aviation industry and rank airlines on their innovation, route networks and safety score against strict assessment criteria.
The awards recognised Etihad’s commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration and its dedication to driving change and results from Abu Dhabi to the world.
As well as being crowned Environmental Airline of the Year, Etihad took third in Airline Ratings’ “Top 10 Airlines” award, which critiques airlines on comfort, innovation, value and safety across Economy, Business and First Class.
Etihad’s sustainability strategy is focused on achieving emissions reductions through in-sector measures, aligning with industry roadmaps and frameworks, collaborating with UAE industrial ecosystems, and remaining transparent and proactive regarding sustainability issues within the aviation industry.
Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa
In its most recent sustainability report released in May 2023, Etihad announced it had achieved a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions per Revenue Tonne Kilometre (RTK). This achievement is underpinned by Etihad’s flagship sustainability initiatives, including the Greenliner programme, which uses the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners as flying test-beds and the Sustainable50 A350-1000.
Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “We take great pride in reducing our CO2 RTK by 26 percent. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and efforts of our team to drive our sustainability agenda and we thank them for their contributions.
I am also very proud of our overall achievements, which go beyond delivering direct Co2 reductions but explore innovative solutions to the broader challenges facing aviation sustainability, as you can see in our annual report.”
Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, said, “Etihad Airways has demonstrated its leadership in the push for sustainable flight with its Greenliner Boeing 787 program and last year with its Sustainability50, A350 aircraft.
In every aspect, Etihad Airways staff and management are committed to reducing the airline’s CO2 footprint, and it shows. The rallying phrase is a million things count in reducing emissions and thus the focus is all-consuming. The airline’s Sustainability Report 2021-2022 demonstrates the potential advancements to be made in sustainable aviation by a wide range of initiatives.”
The nine First Apartments set across a single-aisle, offer a private living space with a large leather lounge chair and an ottoman which opens up to become a separate 80.5″ long fully-flat bed…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it is reintroducing four of its A380s from the summer of 2023.
The move follows a surge in demand for air travel across the airline’s network and customer feedback for the return of one of the most remarkable commercial flying experiences in the sky.
His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “It is wonderful to announce the return of this splendid aircraft. The A380’s reintroduction provides a further boost to Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market, with a knock-on effect for the wider GCC and Indian subcontinent that will bring more visitors to the city of Abu Dhabi.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We know this will be welcomed by our guests who love Etihad’s incredible A380 and its award-winning cabins. We have decided the time is right to return some of our A380s into the fleet to satisfy the demand which has made them financially viable once more. We look forward to welcoming our guests again on board this remarkable aircraft.”
Etihad’s A380s feature The Residence as well as three cabin classes on the double-decker aircraft, including 9 First Apartments, 70 Business Studios and 405 Economy Smart Seats. This includes 80 Economy Space seats with a seat pitch of up to 36 inches.
The nine First Apartments set across a single-aisle, offer a private living space with a large leather lounge chair and an ottoman which opens up to become a separate 80.5″ long fully-flat bed. The First Apartment is one of the most spacious in its class and also offers a 24″ swiveling LCD TV monitor and personal vanity unit. For the first time, Etihad plans to eventually offer The Residence as an optional extra for guests to further enhance their First experience.
The Lobby, available to guests in First and Business class, is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the two cabins, featuring leather sofas, refreshments and a large TV with a USB connection.
Etihad expects to return four of its A380s to the fleet in the summer of 2023, with plans to operate to London Heathrow, freeing up capacity for increased frequencies on existing routes and the launch of new destinations.
The A380s’ return will be supported by the addition of five of their smaller A320 siblings.
Etihad is currently preparing the aircraft to fly again, and part of this preparation includes the recruitment and training of A380 teams, including pilots, cabin crew and technical ground staff.
Those wishing to fly on Etihad’s superjumbo are advised to visit etihad.com or the Etihad app for the latest fares.
The NetZero flight will be the latest in a series of “EcoFlight” tests since Etihad launched its Greenliner programme in 2020….reports Asian Lite News
Etihad Airways has partnered with World Energy, a carbon-net-zero solutions provider, to operate the first “NetZero” flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Book & Claim, delivering delegates to COP27 with zero net emissions.
The airline will operate its Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi service, routed via COP27 venue Sharm-El Sheik to demonstrate the only feasible path to net-zero commercial aviation using current technology, while showcasing the challenges and opportunities of SAF.
Mariam Alqubaisi, Head of Sustainability and Business Excellence, Etihad Airways, said, “This initiative is about proving net-zero commercial aviation is possible, and facing up to the significant logistical challenges the industry faces to turn the possible into the routine. Etihad endeavours to make good on its rigorous commitment towards sustainable aviation coupled with our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and halving our net emission levels by 2035.”
Gene Gebolys, CEO, World Energy, commented, “Together, we can efficiently change the fuel we fly on, so we can change the impact of flying. We are grateful to corporate leaders such as Etihad who are paving the way to help make net-zero aviation a reality.”
The NetZero flight will be the latest in a series of “EcoFlight” tests since Etihad launched its Greenliner programme in 2020.
Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa
EAG transferred into ADQ’s portfolio
The Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs has transferred full ownership of Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) to ADQ, an Abu Dhabi based investment and holding company
Etihad Airways is a global leader in air travel, recognized for its best-in-class service and sustainable travel experience, traveling to 63 destinations in 42 countries.
The transfer of EAG complements ADQ’s efforts to transform Abu Dhabi into a global aviation hub anchored in end-to-end airport service excellence. ADQ’s aviation strategy is focused on delivering airlines and passengers a globally competitive value proposition specializing in aircraft engineering, cargo and ground handling services and an unrivaled customer experience through the anticipated opening of Abu Dhabi Airports’ new Midfield Terminal.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: “The aviation sector is critical to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth plans and prosperity. With Etihad joining ADQ’s mobility and logistics cluster, we are well positioned to develop a globally competitive and integrated aviation portfolio to enhance Abu Dhabi’s connectivity and overall value proposition.”
Earlier this year, EAG’s ancillary businesses were transitioned into ADQ to create a new integrated aviation support services company, ushering in a new wave of growth for the sector. EAG will continue its aspiration to be a leading global airline that delivers a best-in-class customer experience, unrivaled services and care for its guests as part of ADQ’s aviation portfolio. With the addition of EAG, ADQ’s aviation portfolio includes major enterprises which support Abu Dhabi’s vision to create an integrated aviation hub, which include Abu Dhabi Airports, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and ADQ Aviation & Aerospace Services Company.
The Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Airways to further bolster support for MICE groups travelling to Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News
The strategic partnership with Etihad Airways will allow ADCEB to offer complimentary flights and discounts to eligible MICE groups as part of its Advantage Abu Dhabi programme, a successful initiative which provides financial assistance, event planning benefits, subvention, and destination-driven value-adds to event organisers and corporate clients.
The MoU, which was announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) event, will allow eligible Advantage Abu Dhabi applicants additional flight benefits and perks such as group booking discounts, complimentary flights for large MICE group bookings on direct flights, and special flight rates for site/destination inspection trips to Abu Dhabi for clients that hold their business events and incentive groups in the emirate.
As a tool for promoting the UAE capital to international destination management companies, meeting planners, and conference/exhibition organisers, the Advantage Abu Dhabi programme provides the emirate with a competitive edge against global destinations which are increasingly bidding and attracting clients with enhanced support offers.
Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of ADCEB at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Etihad Airways, which will help us to further establish Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading business events destinations. With this partnership, we will provide an attractive proposition to our MICE groups, attracting new interest and ensuring clients will continue to return to the emirate. From hosting conferences and exhibitions to being the go-to destination for meetings and incentive travel, we look forward to welcoming business leaders from around the world to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.”
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President of Sales and Cargo at Etihad Airways, said, “Abu Dhabi is an ideal environment for business and leisure travellers alike, and as the UAE’s national airline, Etihad is proud to partner with ADCEB to make the destination even more appealing for MICE clients. With Etihad’s fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft and famed Emirati hospitality from the award-winning cabin crew, business travellers will enjoy the journey as much as the destination.”
