The world’s leading airline, Etihad will spend more time flying between Australia and the UAE, with plans for a second daily non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.
Commencing 1 August, the additional flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, adding 4,500 seats per week on the route. The new double daily service will also increase the airline’s operations between its four Australian gateways to 42 flights.
As well as more seats between the two destinations, travellers will also be able to choose from two departure times, with flights departing Abu Dhabi 10.30 and 22.20 and from Melbourne 15.15 and 22.40.
Image: Mauvries/Shutterstock
The airline’s chief executive said new flights meet customer demand for more choice.
“Significantly, we will be the only airline offering double daily non-stop flights between Melbourne and the UAE, and twice daily one-stop services to a vast network of business and leisure destinations worldwide.”
James Hogan, Etihad president and chief executive
Australia’s Tourism and Major Events Minister, John Eren said the announcement was another vote of confidence for the city, which he dubbed a ‘leading tourism destination’.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft has eight seats in First Class, 40 in Business Class and 280 in Economy Class.
Last week, Boeing also revealed it would increase its services to US’ Dallas gateway to daily.
The decision was made less than a month after launching three nonstop weekly flights to the destination.
