Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national carrier of United Arab Emirates. It is based at Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE.

The airline operates flights to the Middle East, Europe, North America, Far East, Africa, Oceania and Indian subcontinent. The airline invites travellers explore the world of travel from Dubai.

The slogan of Etihad Airlines is “from Dubai to the World”.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and James Hogan established Etihad Airways in 2003. Later it started operations with Beirut flight, and further keeping hope of starting one new route per month. It accrued an initial capital of AED500 million.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the main base of Etihad Airlines.

Etihad has signed code-share agreements with a number of airlines. The airline shares codes with Aer Arann, BMI, Bangkok Airways, Brussels Airlines, Iran Air, Jet Airways, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Phillippine Airlines, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, Sri Lankan Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Yemenia.

Along with successful passenger flight operations, the airline operates Etihad Crystal Cargo as well to 14 destinations worldwide. For that airline purchased two A300-600F cargo aircraft and one MD-11 cargo aircraft. However, it has put another slot of 210 aircraft on order. Its delivery is expected by 2011-2020.

Etihad Airlines categories service in three classes: First or Diamond Zone, business or Pearl Zone and Economy and Coral Zone. There is comfortable seats onto passengers can stretch up to 00 fully horizontal to lie flat. These seats are comfortable for the passengers travelling long-haul. Each Etihad guest gets a full-size pillow, quilted duvet, complimentary ear plug and a pair of eye shades.

The onboard passengers give quality television programme, as they have latest news, travel stories, comedies, classics, dramas and various lifestyle programmes. There is in-flight telephony available on EtihadAir.

Over 6,300 staff, more than 3,000 cabin crew and about 600 efficient pilots serve Etihad Airways.

Etihadair has launched ‘Frequent Flyer’ program on August 30th, 2006. This program features discount for loyalty membership, in that such guests get points at the completion miles they cover. Then passengers redeem the acquired points for a free air travel.

Etihad Airways operates lounges worldwide. These lounges are free for Etihad Pearl Business and Diamond First Class passengers.

UAE’s national air carrier has won several awards since its started operations in 2003.

Skytrax has awarded Etihad Airways the four-star rating.