Category Archives: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways inaugurates Eco Residence for cabin crew in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has made this announcement:

Etihad Airways has officially opened its Etihad Eco Residence, Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-built, sustainable Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rated cabin crew accommodation. The project is the result of a unique partnership between the UAE’s national airline and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar.

The Etihad Eco Residence was inaugurated in the presence of Khaled Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace, Renewables & Information Communications Technology (ICT) for Mubadala, by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. Also present was Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer for Masdar, alongside senior executives from Etihad Airways and Masdar.

The complex, which comprises 500 apartments in 11 buildings at the pioneering Masdar City development, was recently awarded ‘Sustainable Design of the Year’ at the 2017 Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) MENA Green Awards, and ‘Sustainable Construction Project of the Year’ at the Big Projects Middle East Awards 2017. The residence offers comfortable, high-specification one and two-bedroom apartments which include furniture and white goods provided by Etihad Airways.

Mana Mohamed Saeed Al Mulla, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Group Support Services Officer, said: “The opening of the landmark Etihad Eco Residence underscores not only the importance we place on providing superior housing to our valued cabin crew, but also our responsibility, as part of the greater Abu Dhabi vision, to play a part in transforming the capital into a global leader in smart urban planning, clean energy and sustainability.”

The residence reflects Masdar’s commitment to the three pillars of social, economic and environmental sustainability and is designed to promote biodiversity while minimising the use of ‘high embodied energy’ materials. The use of local suppliers has also helped to reduce transport-related carbon emissions. At least 20 per cent of materials were either sourced or manufactured within 800 kilometres of the project.

Yousef Baselaib, Executive Director of Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar, said: “This new development demonstrates how early project involvement by key stakeholders, including the end-user, developer, design team and contractor, results in a highly desirable end-product. We hope Etihad Airways’ cabin crew enjoy the amenities at their new building, as well as those at Masdar City.”

Etihad Airways employs over 5,800 Abu Dhabi-based cabin crew. The opening of the Etihad Eco Residence reflects the airline’s crew accommodation strategy of providing superior, environmentally-friendly homes with recreational, dining, health and lifestyle facilities, conveniently located close to the capital’s international airport for ease of transport and operational efficiency.

Mark Scoble, Etihad Airways Head of In-flight Performance and Operations, added: “Our brief to the architects and designers of the Etihad Eco Residence was to create a development that is in line with Etihad’s environmental principles as well as a safe, secure and commercially viable residential precinct that embraces our acclaimed cabin crew community, who hail from over 120 countries around the world.

“This new residence offers high quality homes and a desirable cosmopolitan lifestyle in a sustainable urban environment. We are proud that this has now been made a reality for our flying family here in Abu Dhabi.”

An enhanced microclimate has been created around each of the buildings using sustainable landscaping methods and massing the shape and size of the buildings, which captures the breeze for natural ventilation while offering protection from wind and dust. These features complement the urban environment and contribute to overall energy saving.

Each of the Etihad Eco Residence’s buildings has been designed using low environmental impact construction materials, which aid the reduction of strong sunlight yet maximise available natural daylight.

Solar hot water systems provide 76 per cent of the community’s water demand and the buildings’ design encourages greater water efficiency and the reduction of potable water usage, as well as smart waste management.

Masdar is collaborating with local stakeholders to pioneer a ‘greenprint’ for sustainable urban development at Masdar City using a holistic approach focused on integrating sustainable transportation initiatives, optimising waste management, reducing energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions, and accommodating rapid urbanisation.

In January 2018, autonomous vehicle producer NAVYA was awarded the contract to develop phase two of Masdar City’s personal rapid transit (PRT) system, which will be expanded along a new one-kilometre route linking Masdar Institute with the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Majid Al Futtaim’s My City Centre Mall.

All Photos by Etihad Airways.

Swiss and Etihad to codeshare on the Zurich – Abu Dhabi route

Swiss International Air Lines and Etihad Airways are teaming up to offer passengers new codeshare connections in expansion of global route networks.

Swiss passengers may now book flights from Zurich to Abu Dhabi via Swiss (first flight on March 26, 2018). Swiss transfer passengers may fly into Zurich aboard a Swiss flight, then continue on to Abu Dhabi aboard an Etihad Airways flight operated under a Swiss flight number. Luggage may be checked in at the point of departure for collection at the final destination.

On the Zurich-Geneva route, a codeshare arrangement will also allow Etihad Airways’ customers to continue direct to Geneva via the Zurich hub.

The new codeshare flights form part of the cooperation concluded between the Lufthansa Group and the Etihad Aviation Group in December 2016.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLA (msn 39646) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 926629.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways launches the first ever scheduled flight between Abu Dhabi and Baku

Etihad Airways’ inaugural flight, flight EY297, departed Abu Dhabi on March 3 carrying a special delegation including diplomats, dignitaries, media representatives, and senior members of Etihad Airways’ management team.

On arrival in Baku, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute (below), followed by the customary display of the Emirati and Azerbaijani national flags from the cockpit windows.

Etihad Airways and Azerbaijan Airlines recently announced a codeshare partnership which now sees Azerbaijan Airlines place its ‘J2’ code on Etihad Airways services between Baku and Abu Dhabi.

Under this partnership, Azerbaijan Airlines guests will be able to book codeshare flights to and from Abu Dhabi and connect onto Etihad Airways’ extensive global network.

Flying three times a week using a 136-seat Airbus A320, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy Class, the new flights will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, providing optimal daylight timings for guests departing and arriving in Abu Dhabi and Baku. The schedule provides convenient connections to and from the airline’s global network and has been timed evenly throughout the week to provide a mix of weekend, short stay and business travel options.

Schedule

Flight No.	Origin	Departs	Dest	Arrives	Freq	Aircraft
EY297	Abu Dhabi	10:10	Baku	13:15	Wed, Fri, Sat	A320
EY298	Baku	16:30	Abu Dhabi	19:25	Wed, Fri, Sat	A320

Copyright Photo (all others by Etihad Airways): Etihad Airways Airbus A320-232 WL F-WWDC (A6-EJA) (msn 6527) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss). Image: 926909.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways expands services to Nigeria

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) will add two additional weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi – Lagos route.

The new Tuesday and Thursday services will start on May 1, 2018. The route will continue to be operated by a two-class Airbus A330, with 22 Business Class seats and 240 in Economy.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Etihad Aviation Group celebrates 2018 as the Year of Zayed

Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) has announced a year-long program of activities and humanitarian initiatives to mark 2018 as the Year of Zayed.

Etihad’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi inaugurated its Year of Zayed activities by holding a flag-raising ceremony attended by employees. The aviation group’s offices and buildings around the world are now adorned with Sheikh Zayed’s inspiring quote: “The union is our ticket to power and prosperity”.

The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2018 the Year of Zayed, a nationwide initiative, which will highlight the UAE founding father’s unparalleled role in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements as well as his values and principles.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President Abu Dhabi Airport, and General Manager of Etihad Airport Ground Services, who also serves as Chairman of Etihad Airways’ Sports and Social Committee, and CSR strategy said: “We are tremendously proud of the rapid growth of Abu Dhabi and the union. All the people of the UAE are, and will always remain the most important element of our nation’s development. This was our father Sheikh Zayed’s main objective and vision.

In support of the national initiative, and to reaffirm its commitment to the UAE, Etihad has launched a strategy based on the government’s four Year of Zayed pillars: Wisdom, Respect, Sustainability and Human Development.

To celebrate the event, Etihad has released a short film (below) titled ’Running Boy’ to honor Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of human development in the UAE. The film follows a boy who runs through surroundings, which change through the years in celebration of the 46 years that have passed since the inception of the UAE.

Etihad will also pay tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian spirit by planning initiatives focused on supporting societies and urban developments in many countries.

The first of many year-long initiatives is the Rohingya-focused charity campaign this month supporting Burmese children and families fleeing to Bangladesh. This will include a welfare trip to Bangladesh where more than 3000 refugees will receive winter clothes, blankets, tents, and solar lamp power.

Etihad will also continue its ongoing efforts to promote an eco-friendly environment within the UAE with the establishment of five greenhouses as part of its ‘Greener Together’ campaign.

Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s vision of the empowerment of youth, Etihad will support the establishment of libraries and skill development centres in a number of countries including Nepal, Morocco, Philippines and India, and will continue driving its global education initiative by supporting the refurbishment of elementary schools on Samboja Island in Indonesia. Etihad’s global education campaign was launched in 2012 and has since helped more than 100,000 students around the world to continue their education.

A number of events to showcase values and tolerance are planned in the UAE this year, including an International Women’s Day celebration at Etihad’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and marking International Tolerance Day in November.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Etihad Airways): Etihad Airways Airbus A380-861 A6-APC (msn 176) LHR (SPA). Image: 928998.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Video:

Etihad Airways Swiss flights to become all-Boeing 787 Dreamliner services

Etihad Airways’ flights to and from Switzerland will become an all-Boeing 787 Dreamliner operation with the aircraft being deployed on the Abu Dhabi – Geneva route, effective 25 March 2018.

The Dreamliner flights to Geneva will complement the airline’s existing 787 Dreamliner scheduled services connecting Abu Dhabi and Zurich, becoming the fifth European city to be served by the carrier’s rapidly growing fleet of next generation aircraft.

Etihad Airways currently operates daily flights between the UAE’s capital city of Abu Dhabi and both Geneva and Zurich.

Introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will also see a scheduling change that will continue to provide attractive timings for customers travelling to and from Geneva. Etihad Airways will be the only airline operating out of the UAE to offer an early morning arrival into Geneva, and the revised timings will also improve connectivity to a wider network of destinations across Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.

Etihad Airways has a fleet of 18 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners operating from Abu Dhabi to 17 destinations worldwide – Amman, Amsterdam, Beijing, Beirut, Brisbane, Düsseldorf, Madrid, Melbourne, Nagoya, Perth, Riyadh, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Washington and Zurich.

Etihad Airways’ three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners include eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats, offering superior levels of comfort, entertainment and in-flight connectivity. On-board décor and lighting have been inspired by contemporary Arabian design, including the spectacular dome of the newly-opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, complementing the signature ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ identity introduced by the airline during its livery relaunch in 2014. Etihad Airways has pending deliveries of 53 Dreamliners.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner schedule to Geneva, Switzerland, effective 25 March 2018 (all times local):

Flight No. Origin Departs Dest Arrives Freq Aircraft

EY51 Abu Dhabi 02:50 Geneva 07:50 Daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

EY52 Geneva 09:55 Abu Dhabi 18:20 Daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Etihad starts cargo service at Miami

Etihad Airways on November 7, 2017 commenced cargo service at Miami International Airport. The weekly cargo flight is routed via Columbus (Rickenbacker) – Miami – Amsterdam – Abu Dhabi with Boeing 777F freighters.

Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Cargo (Etihad Airways) Boeing 777-FFX A6-DDD (msn 62744) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 931956.

Etihad Airways to drop the Abu Dhabi – Dallas/Fort Worth route due to American

Etihad Airways has announced the suspension of its Abu Dhabi – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) route effective March 25, 2018, as it will become commercially unsustainable following American Airlines’ unilateral decision to terminate its codeshare agreement with the airline.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “The unfortunate decision by American Airlines to terminate a commercial relationship that benefited both carriers has left Etihad with no choice but to suspend flights between our Abu Dhabi home and Dallas/Fort Worth.

“We are open to American Airlines reversing its decision to cancel our codeshare agreement so that Etihad Airways can continue the route and together protect and support American national interests and global connectivity while driving commercial value for both airlines.”

Etihad Airways has invested heavily in the DFW route since its launch in December 2014. The route commenced with three flights a week and was upgraded to a daily service in February 2017, providing travellers in the US and across the airline’s network with access to more US cities through American Airlines’ primary hub. More than 235,000 travellers have flown on the route since its launch. Almost half of Etihad Airways’ DFW customers connect on US codeshare flights operated by American Airlines.

Mr Baumgartner added, “The cancellation of the Dallas route is one of several adjustments that we are making to our US network in 2018 in order to improve system profitability. Further changes are possible as we monitor the full impact of the American Airlines codeshare cancellation on summer 2018 bookings.

“Etihad Airways is grateful to the state of Texas, its authorities, including the Mayor’s offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW International Airport, local businesses, the travel trade, and the travelling public for their partnership throughout the years of our operation.”

Etihad Airways currently operates 42 nonstop flights a week to five US gateways – Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York and Washington. Additionally, Etihad Cargo operates twice weekly Boeing 777F freighter services to and from Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, and Tucson, Arizona.

TUI and Niki move one step closer to a joint venture based in Vienna

TUI AG‘s Supervisory Board has given the green light on November 23, 2016 for further steps with the goal to create a new European airline joint venture with Etihad Aviation Group. TUI Group’s supervisory body approved the plan to contribute its German leisure airline subsidiary TUI fly GmbH (TUIfly-TUI Airlines Germany) to a joint venture with Etihad. Etihad is in negotiations with Airberlin to acquire its touristic operations primarily in Southern Europe and North Africa, and including Airberlin’s participation in Niki, with the objective to contribute it to the joint venture.

The new airline joint venture, headquartered in Vienna, is planned to serve a broad route network with its two airlines, TUI fly and Niki, a total fleet of around 60 aircraft and a seat capacity of 15 million seats per year, operating from key departure airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

TUI AG is to hold a stake of 24.8% in the joint venture, with Etihad holding 25% of the interests. The remaining 50.2% would be held by the existing private foundation Niki Privatstiftung.

The commitments made to the TUI fly employees remain in place and are currently being further negotiated and specified. This includes the commitments to the Hanover location.

The contractual negotiations between all involved stakeholders are expected to be finalized in the next few weeks. Details regarding the future joint venture will be jointly presented by Etihad and TUI after successful completion of the negotiations.

The planned joint venture is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust and aviation authorities.

In the summer of 2007, Hapag-Lloyd Express (HLX) and Hapagfly merged to form TUIfly. The airline is a wholly-owned enterprise of the TUI Group, the world’s leading tourism troup with headquarters in Hanover, Germany. TUIfly flies to the classic holiday regions all around the Mediterranean, the Canary and Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and Egypt for TUI and other tour operators. By the summer of 2014, TUIfly used 40 Boeing 737 aircraft to fly to these destinations. TUIfly headquarters are at the Hanover Airport.

Top Copyright Photo: TUI Airlines (Germany) Boeing 737-86J SSWL D-ABKI (msn 37748) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 933944.

TUI:

Niki:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Niki Luftfahrt (flyNiki.com) Airbus A320-214 OE-LEF (msn 4368) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 927323.

Etihad Aviation Group and TUI AG confirm they are in discussions to create a strong European leisure airline group, focused on point-to-point flying to connect key tourist markets

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/World-Airline-News/World-Airline-News-Oct-2016/i-WfhBKjG/A

On October 5, 2016 Etihad and TUI issued this joint statement:

It is proposed to contribute the touristic operations of the Airberlin Group and the German TUIfly company, including the aircraft currently operated by TUIfly for Airberlin under a wet-lease agreement (see above), into a new airline group established by TUI AG and Etihad Aviation Group.

This new airline group would serve a broad network of destinations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The leisure airline group will be supported by the expertise of Etihad Aviation Group, the fastest-growing aviation group in the world, and utilize TUI’s state-of-the-art distribution capacity.

TUI AG, Etihad Aviation Group and Air Berlin PLC intend to finalize an in-principle agreement in due course. Any agreement entered into will be subject to all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals. TUIfly is part of TUI Group, the world’s number one tourism business, with around 75,000 employees serving 30 million customers a year, across the globe. TUI Group has a portfolio of more than 300 hotels, 14 cruise liners, six European airlines with around 140 aircraft and a wide-reaching distribution network, covering more than 1,800 travel agencies and online portals.

Etihad Aviation Group is a fast-growing diversified aviation and travel group, with more than 26,000 employees. It comprises four business divisions – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways Engineering, the Hala Group, its destination management company, and the Airline Equity Partners.

Etihad Aviation Group holds minority stakes in Air Berlin PLC, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia.

Airberlin is the second largest airline in Germany and carried more than 30.2 million passengers in 2015. Airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21 per cent shareholding in Airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld® airline alliance.