Etihad Airways

Tag Archives for Etihad Airways.

Etihad’s Arty Safety Video

In 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was opened as part of a 30-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government. This week, the airline of Abu Dhabi, Etihad launched a safety video filmed on location at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The three minute 27 second English safety and slightly sorter Arabic safety demonstration include shots from the building and art pieces. The architect for the building was Jean Nouvel, who also designed the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris in 1987. He has also designed a Museum of Art, Seoulin South Korea…

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“Flyadeal” to Fly – Saudia’s new Airline marks shakeup in Kingdom’s air carriers

What do you think of the name “Flyadeal”? Flyadeal is the name of a new budget airline that will launch in Saudi Arabia in mid 2017. Owned by the country’s flag carrier Saudia, the new airline will fly both domestic and international routes from a hub in Jeddah using Airbus A320s. Saudia are saying they want to take advantage of rising tourist numbers in the Kingdom. The carrier certainly puts its pricing intention up front!  Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudia’s director general was reported to say:  “The new airline aims to deliver value for money to cost-conscious customers.…

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Staying comfy in Long haul Economy

One of the disadvantages of being based in Australia is that my long distance flights are all very long. And many of my flights have been done in the back of the plane! the reality is that this is where most passengers end up. The hallowed grail of Business or First can be elusive despite our best prayers, wishes and attempts! Here are 12 tips: Do some research- some airlines do long haul better than others.  Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Finnair, Lan, Malaysia, Qatar,  Qantas, Turkish and Singapore keep me much happier than Air Canada, Air France, American, Delta, Etihad and…

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19 hour marathon will be longest Flight

If you can bear a 19 hour non stop flight, then the Qantas announcement of a non stop flight between Perth, Australia and London, England from 2017 might excite you.  Using a Boeing 787-9 two pairs of pilots and a spare cabin crew would allow the aeroplane to make the 14,000 kilometre (9009 mile) journey in 19 hours. At the moment, Perth-London can be reached with one stop via Cathay Pacific, Emirates,  Etihad, Malaysian, Qatar and Singapore. The new service to London would have an early evening departure from Perth, reaching London, the next day by noon. Even…

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Exraordinary Etihad deals from Australia

Tempted by this extraordinary deal from Etihad. Hot on their Australian status match promotion, the airline is offering ridiculously cheap fares to Europe and India from all Australian ports. I am trying to work out whether the airline has massive capacity or is trying to flex some muscle? For example, Sydney to Amsterdam or Paris or Rome or Zurich  for $A1230 round trip. The next cheapest price from any airline is around $1430 with Vietnam Airlines and China Southern, both of which take much longer to get you to Europe. The extraordinary bargain are the flights from…

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Etihad Free Gold Status match – for Aussies only

Etihad is trying to seriously wrestle Qantas and Emirates for some international traffic out of Australia. Until 6th August, they are have a deal to extend Gold status in their Etihad Guest” Frequent Flyer program to any Australian who holds Gold (or higher status) with any international airline but Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines.   Gold with Etihad gets you: 50 precent more miles on every Etihad flight access to business class lounges run by Etihad, Virgin Australia, Air Berlin, Singapore airlines and other carriers for the Gold card holder and guest 15kg additional baggage allowance priority baggage handling Business Class…

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Etihad unveils flying hotel!

I am most envious of those who got to fly to Abu Dhabi to see the launch of flag-carrier Etihad’s A380 last week! The feature that has grabbed the world is the creation of “The Residence”. This announcement of these features have trumped Korea’s on board duty free shop and Emirate’s First Class showers! The 11 square metre (125 sq ft) Residence will be located at the front of the Upper deck and consists of three rooms: a living room, bedroom with double bed, and private bathroom with shower. Both living room and bedroom feature…

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Etihad finishes Alitalia Due Diligence

Etihad Airways  has reportedly finished a due diligence for a possible 40 percent investment in Alitalia. Maurizio Lupi , the Italian transport minister told parliament on Wednesday that Etihad could present its industrial plan for the troubled Italian carrier to the government by the end of this week. The Middle Eastern airline is apparently considering its options which a month ago its’ Chief Executive James Hogan said could swing either way. Etihad has said it will invest in the Italian carrier only if it fits in its network and if Alitalia has a credible plan to return to profit.…

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Turbulence in India

The Indian air industry has kept me entertained for the last few years. There has been the saga of the long slow death of Kingfisher which finally vanished last year, the incomprehensible losses at government owned Air India. Profitability for the rest of the sector has continued to elude. Air India and private competitors Jet Airways and Spicejet all announced losses for the fourth quarter of 2013. Air India’s loss for 2013 exceeded the Indian government’s entire higher education budget. It’s outstanding debt stood at 26 billion rupees. The airline’s employees have been facing a…

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Evolution: Etihad’s New Model

Etihad is adding its seventh “equity partner”, buying a 33.3% stake of Switzerland’s Darwin Airline. Darwin joins the other six, Etihad has gathered: airberlin (29%) Air Seychelles (40%) 19.9% of Virgin Australia (19.9%) 3% of Aer Lingus (3%), Jet Airways (24%) and plans in January 2014 to acquire 49% of Air Serbia (49% from January, 2014). All of these carriers have entered into agreements to feed traffic into the Eihad international network.   Never heard of Darwin Airline? They are a Switzerland based European regional carrier. Their fleet consists of ten Saab 2000s operating from…

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