Etihad global flight network set for 2011 frequency increases

Etihad Airways announced today it would boost frequencies on five key European routes in 2011, and increase capacity on a range of other routes, adding depth to its network and improved connectivity through its Abu Dhabi hub as it takes delivery of new aircraft.

The European capacity increases, effective between June and August 2011, include the following routes: Paris, from 10 flights per week to a double daily service Manchester, moving from daily to 10 flights per week; Geneva, increasing from five flights per week to daily; Milan, increasing from five flights per week to daily; and Brussels will increase from six to eight flights per week.

Etihad will also move from five to daily flights on its Beijing services; Schedule a capacity increase to Bangalore which commenced on January 1 with four flights a week, and will move to a daily operation in summer 2011; and operate a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with capacity to carry 412 passengers, to Chicago.

The enhancements to the schedule mean that by October 2011, 74 per cent of Etihad’s flight network of 66 destinations will be served by at least daily flights.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “As we take delivery of new aircraft in 2011, our focus is on offering at least a daily service on key business routes – and wherever possible, a double-daily service – to attract a greater share of the corporate travel market.”