Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is continuing its rapid flight network expansion, and has announced that it will commence services to Kuwait from 1 July 2006.
A popular route for both intra-regional and global business travellers, Etihad will operate six-flights-a-week between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City with a combination of the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus 330-200 and Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.
“Etihad is proud to be flying to more than 30 world-wide destinations, and the addition of Kuwait City is important because it supports our ambitions of bringing the people of the Middle East together whilst enhancing trade and tourist links,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways.
The UAE and Kuwait have a great deal in common, especially in their roles as two of the world’s largest oil producers. Moreover, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City are amongst two of the most affluent cities in the GCC with per capita incomes of $29,100 and $21,300 respectively.
The impact of the energy industry has been considerable for both countries and enabled major investment in the hospitality sector, with impressive hotel developments under construction and occupancy nearly doubling since 2000.
“Both Abu Dhabi and Kuwait share a strong commercial bond, one that runs far deeper than oil. The introduction of a six-times-a-week service will enhance the already strong trade links within the GCC and across the globe,” added HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan.
Guests using the new service will experience Etihad’s unique levels of hospitality and comfort aboard the 262-seat Airbus A330-200 (22 in Pearl and 240 in Coral) and 378-seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft (28 in Pearl and 350 in Coral).
The new route will also increase the capabilities of Etihad Crystal Cargo which will be able to carry between 14 and 20 tonnes of cargo on each flight depending on the aircraft.
As well as carrying business and leisure travellers to Kuwait from around the Gulf, Etihad’s long haul Guests will also be able to travel there smoothly and frequently using Abu Dhabi as the hub.
The combination of Etihad’s Airbus and Boeing aircraft will also enable the Abu Dhabi-based airline to offer a flexible and efficient operation, whilst providing Guests with the same premium standards of service regardless of which aircraft they board.
“We are pleased to be operating two of the airline industry’s most advanced aircraft on this route. Our Guests and cargo customers will be delighted with the facilities that we can now offer between Kuwait and Abu Dhabi on a weekly basis,” concluded HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan.
Flight EY717 operates every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Abu Dhabi, departing at 19:05 and arriving in Kuwait at 19:45 local time. Return flights leave Kuwait City at 20.45, arriving in the UAE capital at 23:25.
On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays flights leave Abu Dhabi at 14:25, arriving in Kuwait at 15:05 local time. Return services then depart at 16.05, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 18:45.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and currently offers flights for Guests and cargo to more than 40 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
Its new summer 2006 holiday brochure features more than 300 apartments and hotels in 82 destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Etihad Airways offers a Lowest Price Guarantee to its Guests as well as discounts on bookings made 30 days before departure.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways
