Etihad Airways to launch flights between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong

HONG KONG - Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced the launch of a four times per week service between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong from 15 June 2015.

The new flights will complement the existing services offered by Etihad Airways' codeshare and network partner, Air Seychelles, ensuring a daily frequency between the two cities, and bringing the combined number of weekly seats offered on the route to 3,620.

Hong Kong will become Etihad Airways' seventh destination in Northeast Asia and its fourth destination in Greater China joining Beijing , Chengdu and Shanghai.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Hong Kong is an exciting and significant addition to our global network. The new services will offer our guests from Hong Kong and nearby southern China increased travel options and enhanced connections over our Abu Dhabi hub to 34 business and leisure destinations across the Gulf region, Europe and Africa."

"The new flights will support trade ties between the UAE and China, the UAE's second largest trading partner. Hong Kong, the world's largest cargo hub and Asia's dynamic financial centre, gives us huge growth potential and a strengthened product offering for our global cargo customers."

The UAE is Hong Kong's largest export market in the Middle East. Hong Kong exports to the UAE rose 14 per cent to US$4.96 billion in 2013.

The additional 80 tonnes of weekly bellyhold capacity offered on the new Etihad Airways flights will open more business opportunities for trading partners in Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong, and strengthen the current four times per week Etihad Cargo freighter service and the existing bellyhold capacity offered by Air Seychelles' three weekly flights between the two cities.

Known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour, Hong Kong is the third most important financial centre, after London and New York, with one of the greatest concentrations of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region.

The vibrant streets of Hong Kong offer a great blend of modern design and fascinating history. Hong Kong has something for everyone with bustling Asian markets, fine dining, high-end shopping, world-class luxury hotels and numerous tourist attractions.

Etihad Airways will operate a two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 seats in Business Class and 240 seats in Economy Class, offering a total of 2,096 seats per week.

The airline has announced six new routes for the first half of 2015, starting with Kolkata in February, Madrid in March, Entebbe in May, and Edinburgh, Hong Kong and Algiers in June.

The airline's flights to and from Hong Kong can be booked from today on www.etihad.com, through Etihad Airways Contact Centres, or via travel agents.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews