Etihad formally launches new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Sydney
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced formally today that it would start direct flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi in March of this year.
The three times a week service will be flown by a three-class Airbus A340-500 aircraft, with the first flight leaving Abu Dhabi on 26 March 2007, arriving in Sydney the following day at 6:15am.
Etihad also announced that flight frequency on the route will increase to a daily operation from 29 June 2007.
Aussie, James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ CEO said: “I am proud that Etihad is the newest overseas based airline to be granted rights to fly into Australia and we look forward to playing a key role in further developing the growth of commerce and tourism between Australia and the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi and the Gulf region more generally”.
“As well, through our Abu Dhabi base, we will provide Australian business and leisure travellers with one-stop access to the Middle East region, as well as key international cities across Europe.”
He added, “Australia is a key destination in our expansion plans for the airline and we very much look forward to establishing and building our presence in this country”.
Etihad currently serves 47 destinations from Abu Dhabi, with its network of destinations continuing to grow rapidly.
The Ambassador of the UAE to Australia, Dr Saeed Mohammed Al-Shamsi said, “I welcome the commencement of direct flights between Australia and Abu Dhabi”. “This will undoubtedly serve to further strengthen the growing trade, tourism and cultural ties between Australia and the United Arab Emirates.”
Sydney is Etihad’s fifth destination in the Asia-Pacific region joining Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta.
Flight Information: From 26 March, Etihad EY450 will initially operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday departing Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10.10am, arriving Sydney International Airport 6.15am the following day. The return service, EY451 will depart Sydney on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 3.20pm, arriving Abu Dhabi at 0.10am.
The Airbus A340-500 aircraft serving the route will be configured in three classes of travel; 12 seats in Diamond, 28 seats in Pearl and 200 seats in Coral.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive