Etihad Airways’ second purpose-built Boeing 777-300ER has commenced its first commercial flight to London’s Gatwick airport.
The new Boeing 777-300ER is the third aircraft to be delivered as part of an $8.9 billion order placed by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, with Airbus and Boeing in 2004.
The new aircraft will increase Etihad’s profile in the UK, and joins the airline’s 66 strong fleet of London taxis, all branded with a specially commissioned Etihad Airways livery.
The new fleet of taxis reflects Etihad’s ambitious worldwide growth plans, and builds awareness of the airline to the millions of local and international tourists and business travellers in and around London.
“The new aircraft fleet deployment is an exciting and long awaited development for Etihad Airways. We are now able to provide our Guests travelling to and from the UK with elite Etihad service and hospitality that is the ethos of Etihad Airways. The Etihad-branded taxis also ensure our name is visible on the streets of London, as well as in the skies,” said Geert Boven, VP Commercial, Etihad Airways.
Guests onboard the new Boeing 777-300ER London Gatwick route will now be able to experience new levels of style and hospitality with innovative seating, offering high speed wireless internet access, and the finest cuisine in both Coral and Pearl Zones – all designed to meet Etihad’s specifications.
The two aisle aircraft is configured to carry a total capacity of 378 Guests, 28 in the Pearl Zone which features new spacious 180 degree fully flat beds providing optimum comfort, and 350 in the Coral Zone which offers a seat pitch of up to 33”.
As the launch customer for ‘Connexions By Boeing’ in the Middle East, Guests in both Pearl and Coral Zone will also be able to send and receive email and use the internet as if they were at home or work. Additionally, Guests in both Zones can experience the latest in audio visual facilities with over 200 hours of entertainment and a ‘Plug & Play’ feature which allows Guests to view personal videos by connecting to the IFE system through an RCA jack.
In-flight dining onboard the new Boeing 777-300ER offers extensive and imaginative menus prepared by award-winning chefs that have been chosen for expertise in international cuisine.
The UK is Etihad Airway’s largest market outside the United Arab Emirates and to reinforce its commitment to the destination Etihad will be launching a third route, Abu Dhabi – Manchester, on March 27, 2006.
The new Boeing 777-300ER will also have significant benefits for Etihad Crystal Cargo with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that increase payload capabilities.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and will now offer flights for Guests and cargo to 30 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options to 69 destinations across 23 countries. Packages include skiing, fly-drives, cruises and tours.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com
