Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today celebrated the start of its daily direct service to the global business hub of Hong Kong.
The carrier’s inaugural flight to Hong Kong International Airport was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior officials from Etihad Airways and Airport Authority Hong Kong.
We have expanded our codeshare agreement with @HongKongAirline to provide enhanced connections between #Asia, the #MiddleEast, and #Europe.
— Etihad Airways (@EtihadAirways) June 15, 2015
A traditional water cannon salute welcomed the inaugural Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong
Guests onboard the flight were presented with commemorative certificates in English and Cantonese, featuring the emblem of Hong Kong, the bauhinia flower.
“Demand for travel into and out of Greater China has never been stronger. The introduction of a daily frequency to Hong Kong, along with our popular services to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai, will ensure that business and leisure travellers benefit from convenient timings and connections to suit their needs.”
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer
“Our guests travelling from Hong Kong and nearby southern China are now connected to more than 30 destinations across the Gulf region, Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America over Abu Dhabi. In addition, we offer guests travelling to Hong Kong onward connections to a number of destinations across Asia through our codeshare partnerships.”
Etihad Airways’ daily Hong Kong flights are operated using a two-class Airbus A330 aircraft, offering a total of 3,620 seats per week between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. Codeshare partners on the route include airberlin, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, NIKI and Hong Kong Airlines.
The increased frequency on Etihad Airways’ Hong Kong service supports trade relations and creates economic benefits by generating revenue, creating jobs and attracting investment. It also enhances import and export activities, especially as Hong Kong is the world’s largest cargo hub.
Etihad are on the move again… And looking good.
If you’re in Hong Kong anytime soon, look out for the iconic Hong Kong trams which have been enlisted to promote Etihad Airways’ new non-stop Hong Kong-Abu Dhabi services.
The airline has made big brand advances since it’s refresh back in September last year with the launch of The Residences, its first A380 and other sizeable additions to the fleet, a big jump in Social media followers and record profits for the year as well as being named the worlds leading airline.
We get sent some amazing #FanPhotos from our guests. Send your photo to socialmedia@etihad.ae to see it here. pic.twitter.com/Hw9PEQGzZq
— Etihad Airways (@EtihadAirways) June 15, 2015
