Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), its airport services business and five of its equity partners have successfully completed an innovative new platform financing transaction, raising $500 million on the international markets.
According to the group, “Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia and Jet Airways have together taken a new step forward in their strategic business development through this unique fund-raising initiative.”
The group continued:
“At a series of roadshow meetings, held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and London, the shared vision and strategies of the airlines were laid out to financial institutions. These highlighted the growing network coordination and revenue development initiatives, coupled with joint procurement and business synergy projects, across the airlines.”
Allocation of the funds raised will be nearly 20 percent each to Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, Airberlin and Alitalia; 16 percent to Jet Airways; and the remainder to Air Serbia and Air Seychelles.
The funds raised by the transaction will be used largely for capital expenditure and investment in fleet, as well as for refinancing, depending on each individual airline’s needs.
The transaction marks the first time that Etihad Airways and its partners have raised funds together. To date, Etihad Airways has already raised in excess of $11 billion (US) from more than 80 financial institutions, to help fund its expansion strategy.
The funds have been raised through a special purpose vehicle, EA Partners IBV. Goldman Sachs International, ADS Securities and Anoa Capital are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering.
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380-861 A6-APA (msn 166) departs from London (Heathrow).
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has issued this statement on its labor policies and practices as political pressure increases in Washington for a new policy concerning competition from the “Gulf Big Three”:
Etihad Airways is one of the world’s most popular new employers of the 21st century. We strive to attract the top talent in the industry and it’s working. Last year, we were inundated with requests from people for the opportunities Etihad Airways offers – with more than 260,000 who applied to join the airline from all over the world – 57 times more applications than we had total job openings which included 1,700 crew position and approximately 500 pilot openings. In 2014, Etihad Airways was named “Employer of the Year” at the Middle East HR Awards and was ranked as one of the “Global 100” most in-demand employers by LinkedIn. In a recent independent, externally-managed employee opinion survey, 93% of our people said they are proud to work at Etihad Airways and the overall employee engagement score of 76% was 18% better than that of the global average. These numbers and awards speak to our record as a desirable and responsible employer. We invite and welcome members of APFA to visit our operations and meet our employees so they can experience firsthand the Etihad Airways workplace and culture.
Our commitment to the welfare, safety, and well-being of the diverse group of men and women who have worked so hard to make Etihad Airways great is one of our airline’s top priorities. That commitment to our employees extends beyond our world class salaries and benefits. Our crew are entitled to the full scope of benefits in line with UAE laws, but we choose to go further. Etihad provides many benefits that exceed those requirements significantly, such as housing allowances, comprehensive medical insurance, education expenses, company-wide performance bonuses, robust HR practices, career advancement opportunities, global flight benefits, emergency services, childcare services, and a generous leave policy. In addition, Etihad’s base in the UAE provides a tax-free environment to its employees.
Furthermore, contrary to counter claims, Etihad fully supports its cabin crew during and after their pregnancy. When a cabin crew member informs Etihad of a pregnancy, she is provided with appropriate ground duties for the duration of their pregnancy. During this time, she remains fully compensated and fully engaged on the ground. Cabin crew are also entitled to paid maternity leave if they have completed more than one year’s service. Our cabin crew are then able to return to their flying role at the end of their maternity leave period. The health and safety of our cabin crew remains paramount. Therefore, we follow the GCAA requirement that crew do not continue to fly while pregnant.
Etihad Airways is focused on being best in class and delivering a superior experience for our customers. Across our network, Etihad Airways currently employs some 24,000 staff from more than 140 different nationalities in roles ranging from pilots and crew to core staff at its Head Office and stations around the world. As an equal opportunity employer, we are extremely proud of this diversity. We have industry-leading training and performance standards for our pilots and crew, many of whom have come from legacy, unionized airlines in the U.S. and the European Union. For example, when United Airlines furloughed pilots during bankruptcy, we brought them on board at Etihad. We are not bound by seniority but rather place our pilots based on merits and performance. United captains became Etihad captains. This could not have happened in a unionized airline. When United ended its furlough, the pilots were free to return to their former employer if they so desired.
The airline industry is a symbol of human ingenuity and of determination to make the world a better place by connecting cultures, families and businesses. As a truly global airline, Etihad Airways represents the very best of that vision. At Etihad Airways, we have become a global, award-winning employer because we value our employees and we treat them with dignity and respect. As a result, they give us their very best; the same employee survey confirmed this when 92% of employees responded that they were willing to go beyond normal requirements in order to help Etihad succeed. This sort of employee motivation doesn’t just happen; it is a result of a very structured and deliberate strategy by Etihad as an employer genuinely committed to looking after its people. It is very clear that without Open Skies, our employees and consumers would have few choices but those airlines in the oligopoly of immunized alliances that dominate the global industry and seek to reduce the competitive landscape.
An ad by Etihad Airways looking for candidates for its cabin crew:
Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways has been adding brand new Airbus A380s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Airbus A380-861 A6-APA (msn 166) climbs away from Lindon’s Heathrow Airport.
Video: Behind the Scenes – Flying Reimagined TV commercial:
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) is planning to introduce the new Airbus A380 on the Abu Dhabi-New York (JFK) route on December 1 per Airline Route. The A380 will operate on a daily basis.
Copyright Photo: Airbus A380-861 A6-APA (msn 166) taxies at London (Heathrow), the first destination for the new type.
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) this morning (December 27) inaugurated Airbus A380 service between Abu Dhabi and London (Heathrow) (LHR) and return. The first flight departed Abu Dhabi at 0235 and arrived at LHR at 0635. The return flight has now departed LHR (above) for the first time.
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A380-861 A6-APA (msn 106) departs today from LHR on its first revenue flight back to Abu Dhabi. The Super Jumbo features “The Residence by Etihad” luxury suites as previously reported.
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has capped an incredible 12 months by unveiling its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft (see videos above) to more than 200 of the world’s media in Abu Dhabi.
The doors to the airline’s two new flagship aircraft – in the distinctive new ‘Facets ofAbu Dhabi’ livery – were opened for the first time to reveal the new cabin interiors, which include the ultra-luxurious Residence by Etihad™, the only three-room suite in the sky.
Video: Evolution of the new livery.
Etihad Airways also unveiled a new cabin crew uniform at a spectacular catwalk fashion show. It’s the first major uniform re-launch since the airline’s formation in 2003 and incorporates the same colors used for the cabin interior and new aircraft livery.
Video: The new uniform.
Photo: Etihad Airways. The new uniforms.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “As we have done so many times in our short history, we are reshaping the landscape of modern air travel in our own way.
In addition to the media event at Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways is also hosting an event for travel industry partners and one for the airline’s staff today, ensuring that by the end of the day more than 1,500 people will have toured the two new aircraft.
The fashion show saw 22 Etihad Airways cabin crew showcasing the new uniform which has been designed by Italian Ettore Bilotta, derived from the new brand identity, and combines elegance, comfort and practicality.
Bilotta, in collaboration with the airline’s Guest Services and Guest Experience divisions, chose a warm chocolate brown as the base colour for the different uniform variations.
A deep purple color is added for cabin crew and lounge staff, and a burnt orange accent color for ground crews and Special Services personnel.
Copyright Photo Above: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A380-861 F-WWSS (msn 166) was delivered as A6-APA on December 16. It will be introduced to revenue service on December 27 on the Abu Dhabi-London (Heathrow) route.
Following today’s events in Abu Dhabi, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft will continue test operations before starting commercial flights. The A380 will operate daily to London Heathrow from December 27 and the 787 to Dusseldorf from February 1, 2015.
The entry into commercial service of the A380 will see the introduction of The Residence by Etihad™, a new cabin that has captured the imagination of the air travel industry since it was unveiled in May 2014.
Photo: Etihad Airways.
The Residence by Etihad™ (above) features a living room, separate ensuite shower room, and as another first in the airline industry, a dedicated Butler.
Measuring 125 square feet in total, The Residence by Etihad™ is located on the forward upper deck of the A380 and is for single or double occupancy.
The Airbus A380 is also the only Etihad Airways aircraft to offer the First Apartment which is a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman, which opens up to become a separate 80.5 inch long fully-flat bed.
Photo: Etihad Airways.
The First Suite on the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 offers guests an enhanced suite with chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats which can be joined to create a double bed.
A total of 70 Business Studios are located on the upper deck of the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 787 has 28 Business Studios, all offering aisle access and a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.
The Economy Smart Seat also debuts on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 and has enhanced comfort with the unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat.
Etihad Airways will take delivery of four A380s and three Boeing 787-9s in 2015.
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) has announce a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi). Etihad Airways is building an alliance of carriers.
Here is the official announcement:
SAS and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, are set to begin codeshare operations and provide customers with enhanced travel options between Scandinavia and the UAE.
The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will strengthen both carriers by enabling them to offer greater connectivity to and from a number of key European cities. SAS is Etihad Airways’ 47th airline partnership globally and its 22nd in Europe. For SAS, Etihad is the 23rd codeshare partner and the third with strong presence in the Middle East.
Both airlines will also develop and sign a Frequent Flyer agreement, which will benefit the members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest and SAS’ EuroBonus loyalty programs.
The deal will see SAS place its SK code on Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, Zurich, Geneva and London Heathrow.
In turn, Etihad Airways will place its EY code on SAS-operated flights from these European destinations, excluding Brussels, onto SAS’ hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm.
The EY code will also be placed on flights beyond Copenhagen to Billund and Ålesund; beyond Oslo to Ålesund, Kristiansand, Trondheim, and Stavanger; and beyond Stockholm to Umeå, Sundsvall, and Östersund.
Top Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. SAS’ Boeing 737-705 LN-TUF (msn 28222) arrives in London (Heathrow).
Scandinavian Airlines aircraft slide show:
Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:
Bottom Copyright Photo: Gerd Beilfuss/AirlinersGallery.com. Another view of Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380 at Hamburg (Finkenwerder). The pictured A380-861 F-WWSS (msn 166) will become A6-APA on delivery.
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a new look for the delivery of the first Airbus A380. The first Boeing 787 will follow in the same eye-catching color scheme. This new livery will be painted on the entire fleet. The fast-growing carrier issued this statement and photos:
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today (September 26) unveiled a stunning new livery design which will be introduced across its fleet.
Created by leading brand consultants Landor Associates in partnership with Etihad Airways, the new livery is inspired by traditional Emirati design patterns, the landscapes of the desert and the geometric shapes found in the modern architecture of Abu Dhabi.
The result is a striking and unique livery design which will present Etihad Airways as the airline of a progressive and innovative cultural hub, firmly rooted in its rich history.
The new livery was unveiled as Etihad Airways’ first A380 rolled-out of the paint hangar at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany.
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways said: “Only a few months ago Etihad Airways unveiled the new cabin interiors for our A380 aircraft and we are now proud to show the world how this aircraft will look on the outside.
“The striking new livery also continues our commitment to breaking from convention and doing things differently. This is a real divergence from the norms of traditional airline livery design and will stand out in the sky and at every airport we fly to.”
The design pattern named ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ uses a colour palette which reflects the varying hues of the landscape of the UAE, from the darker sands of Liwa to the lighter colours seen in the Northern Emirates. The design development involved researching design options amongst Emiratis and international travellers to help select the final ‘winning’ livery.
The UAE national emblem is given prominence along the fuselage next to the Etihad name and the national flag is respectfully featured forward near the cockpit.
The design pattern is also a key feature of the new cabin interiors being introduced on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft, and is being rolled out across the airline’s corporate branding – from advertising to brochures to premium lounges.
Peter Knapp, Global Creative Officer of Landor Associates, said: “Etihad Airways is undoubtedly a leading airline on the international stage and this new livery is a real step change in the industry. I believe there will be nothing like it on any apron in the world.
“It tells the remarkable story of this region and of Abu Dhabi’s past, present and future, providing a narrative for an innovative airline brand. We used the ambient geometry present in the architecture and culture of the emirate and reinterpreted it with a sense of Arabian modernism which has become synonymous with Etihad and Abu Dhabi itself.”
The entire Etihad Airways fleet of more than 100 aircraft, as well as those to be delivered, will be painted in the new livery during the next three years ensuring that the Facets of Abu Dhabi is seen across the world.
Etihad Airways will take delivery of seven wide-bodied aircraft in 2015 – four Airbus A380s and three Boeing 787-9s – and seven narrow-bodied aircraft – one A320 and six A321s.
Etihad Airways, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2013, has introduced unique liveries on several of its aircraft to mark special events and occasions.
These include an Airbus A340 and A320 in Formula 1 livery to celebrate the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The airline also flies a Manchester City FC Airbus A330 painted in the Premier League club’s sky-blue colours with the name and crest clearly visible on both sides of the aircraft.
Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380 will operate on flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow from December 27, 2014. The two subsequent deliveries of the A380 in early 2015 will also service the route, making it a triple daily A380 operation.
Later in 2015, A380s will operate to Sydney and New York as Etihad Airways receives its fourth and fifth aircraft. The airline has currently 10 of the giant double-decker airliners on firm order.
The Etihad Airways A380 is set to transform luxury air travel with The Residence by Etihad, which features a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room, making it the first three-room luxury suite in history of commercial aviation.
The Residence by Etihad, located on the forward upper deck of the A380, can accommodate one or two guests who will also have a personal Butler trained by the Savoy Butler Academy in London.
Etihad Airways’ A380 will also feature new First Apartments, which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed; as well as the new Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat.
Copyright Photo: Airbus (all others by Etihad Airways). The first A380, the pictured A380-861 A6-APA (msn 166), is pictured at the Hamburg (Finkenwerder) Airbus facility.
Etihad Airways:
Previously the airline unveiled images of the Airbus A380 interiors: CLICK HERE
Video: the painting of the Airbus A380:
Video: The unveiling of the new livery:
Video: The new livery:
Video: Time lapse video of the assembly of the first Airbus A380:
