Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has celebrated the launch of its three new routes to Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, by hosting more than 100 dignitaries, business leaders and trade journalists from Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan now has the largest number of Etihad destinations with 18 flights a week to four destinations, including the daily Karachi service which opened in November 2004, which caters for many of the five million Pakistani community living in the Gulf.
The Pakistani delegation was hosted by senior Etihad officials and regional managers at the Al Dar VIP lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
“It is a great privilege to host so many members of the Pakistani community here in Abu Dhabi. Etihad is proud to fly to four major Pakistan destinations, as there is a huge demand for these extra services and we are delighted that we are now able to satisfy that demand,” said Ian Ferguson-Brown, Head of Communications and Brand Management, Etihad Airways.
Before arriving in Abu Dhabi, the delegation was able to enjoy Etihad’s unique levels of comfort and hospitality by flying with Etihad from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore or Peshawar.
“It is a great honour to have been invited by Etihad Airways to take part in this inaugural trade visit to Abu Dhabi. The new Etihad services to Pakistan will make a big difference to the five million-strong Pakistani nationals living and working in the UAE and around the Gulf. It will also have a significant impact on trade relations between the two countries thanks to the increased volume and frequency of the new services,” said Dr. Shazad Taher Thaheem, Pakistani Attaché in the UAE.
In 2004-2005 alone the UAE invested more than US$367m in Pakistan, and this bond was enhanced further when the UAE government pledged US$100m for the President’s Relief Fund immediately after the October 2005 earthquake.
Etihad, the world’s leading new airline, also played a vital role in providing free shipments of aid relief to the earthquake devastated regions of Pakistan in November 2005.
More than 39 tons of humanitarian aid, collected from the Pakistan Embassy, was transported to Karachi by Etihad Crystal Cargo, the Cargo division of Etihad Airways.
Crystal Cargo continues to help relief work in Pakistan, and yesterday (Monday 13 March) sent a charity shipment of more than 1000 kg to the earthquake hit region. The shipment contained blankets, stationery, clothes and toys
About Etihad Airways
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.ae
