Etihad marks Zayed Humanitarian Day

The Etihad Aviation Group has launched an array of community and humanitarian initiatives to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on 19 Ramadhan (4 June).

The programme, which includes food donations, community activities and charity campaigns, demonstrates Etihad’s commitment to local and global humanitarian activities, reflecting a spirit of sharing during Ramadhan and the Year of Zayed.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the UAE national airline has carried out a number of projects and initiatives including treating 10 elderly people from the Old People’s Home in Sharjah to a flight simulator experience, iftar and Eid gifts in a family setting together with some of the airline’s pilots.

In line with its ongoing commitment to support underprivileged children, Etihad has teamed up with the Emirates Red Crescent to distribute Eid gifts to 600 orphans in Kerala, India. It has also donated school bags, stationery items and clothes to an orphanage of 240 children in Vietnam.

In Sri Lanka, 136 children from orphanages and children’s homes enjoyed a Movie Night on board an Etihad Airways’ aircraft, and enjoyed activities and meals.

Khaled AlMehairbi, Senior VP and GM, Etihad Airport Services Ground – Abu Dhabi Hub and CSR Strategy, said, “We are excited to announce this large-scale programme, boosting our charitable and community footprint locally and globally. The Zayed Humanitarian Day is very special this year as we celebrate the Year of Zayed in 2018. We are inspired by the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to give back and bring smiles to those who are less fortunate.

“With a strong global presence and extensive network, Etihad Airways is ideally positioned to reach out to vulnerable communities in different parts of the world and to make a lasting and positive impact through initiatives that span education, food donations, orphan support and relief aid.”

The company also announced an initiative for guest miles donations which will be channelled to sponsor iftar meals for Rohingya children and families, and the promotion of child education across the world.

Etihad Aviation Group has partnered with Emirates Red Crescent over several community projects to mark the Zayed Humanitarian Day: 

- Donating dry food parcels to more than 1,300 families in India

- Donating dry food parcels to 1,000 families in Sri Lanka

- Supporting 1,000 Syrian refugees at Ritsona camp in Greece with brand new clothing and Eid gifts

- Distributing dates to 73 outstations for charity

- Distributing iftar boxes to the workforce during the month of Ramadhan, with an expected 8,000 meals to be donated to housekeeping, security and maintenance workers based at Etihad offices.

- Distributing wheelchairs to the Specialist Center for Children with Disabilities in Sharjah, which provides regular care and treatment for children up to 18 years old.

In late May, Etihad Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has launched its first humanitarian freighter missions as part of the group’s Year of Zayed programme.

The specially branded Year of Zayed Boeing 777 freighter aircraft departed Abu Dhabi – first to Almaty in Kazakhstan and then to Hyderabad in India – carrying provisions to be distributed to those in need during Ramadhan.

The humanitarian missions are taking place throughout the year in collaboration with the Khalifa Foundation, the Red Crescent, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation. These missions represent the Year of Zayed theme of respect, one of the four key themes of Etihad’s Year of Zayed activation plan.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ CEO said: “We are pleased to have commenced our first Year of Zayed humanitarian operations with our cargo aircraft which is crossing the globe to deliver vital items to help people most in need.

“The humanitarian missions embody the spirit and values of the UAE’s founding father, HH Sheikh Zayed, and we are proud to play a small role in carrying forward his legacy and supporting people in need from around the globe.”

Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, GM, The Founder's Office, said: “The Founder’s Office is proud to support Etihad Airways’ humanitarian efforts, which will bring relief to thousands during the holy month of Ramadhan.

“The late Sheikh Zayed initiated countless philanthropic and charitable endeavours throughout his lifetime. His spirit of altruism and generosity transcended borders, and laid the foundations for the UAE’s ongoing role as a leading provider of international aid.

“This worthy initiative upholds his legacy, reflecting one of the central themes of our Year of Zayed campaign which is to reinforce the spirit of solidarity amongst community members through selfless giving, and globally extending a helping hand to all those in need.”

Last month, Etihad also launched a community drive to donate 150,000 inflight meals to charity in 2018, and for every year in the future.

Etihad Aviation Group pledges 400 meals a day to charity

The Etihad Aviation Group has launched a community programme that will deliver 400 meals per day to charity. The initiative will be held throughout 2018 and beyond, with approximately 150,000 meals to be donated every year.

As part of its sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts, the Abu Dhabi-based airline has teamed up with the Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority to donate inflight meals to labourer residences in the Mussaffah area of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In line with the sustainability pillar of the 2018 Year of Zayed, the initiative was announced in early Ramadhan to promote a spirit of sharing during the month. The meals are initially prepared for the airline’s three on board cabins – First Class, Business Class and Economy Class – and are then transported in a purpose-designed truck to keep them fresh. Emirates Red Crescent will provide an equipped kitchen and trucks to collect and store meals for distribution.

Khaled AlMehairbi, Senior VP and GM, Etihad Airport Services Ground – Abu Dhabi Hub and CSR Strategy, said: “We are strongly committed to the local community and proudly support various charities worldwide. Etihad is always looking at new ways to extend the reach of our charitable and humanitarian efforts.

“This drive is guided by the values and legacy of our late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He inspires and motivates us to share and give back to the communities we are living and operating in.”

Sultan Al Shehi, GM, Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent, said: “We are excited to launch this initiative in collaboration with Etihad Aviation Group and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s spirit of sharing and giving. We have worked together with Etihad Aviation Group to support many charitable and humanitarian activities. However, this partnership is especially important for its size and scale.”

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority hailed the drive as encouraging the efforts of UAE charity and humanitarian actors in supporting the local community. The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, as part of its robust relationship with the Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent, ensures the quality and safety of the meals. It promotes awareness of the Emirates Red Crescent staff on healthy food packaging, transportation and storage. The authority will oversee the delivery of the meals from Etihad Aviation Group to the Grace Conservation Programme, monitoring all the related steps of collection and distribution.

Etihad introduces healthier food on flights and at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has collaborated with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, to introduce Weqaya, a range of healthy food items, on board its flights and in its lounges in Abu Dhabi.

Weqaya (وقاية), meaning prevention in Arabic, is a programme established by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi with the aim of encouraging people to eat a healthy and balanced diet to promote good health and wellbeing.

Etihad Airways has begun to offer a number of Weqaya dishes on menus in First and Business Class long-haul and ultra-long haul outbound flights from Abu Dhabi, and First and Business Class lounges in Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad consistently engages with its guests to better understand their needs, and then delivers products and services that exceeds their expectations. The addition of Weqaya menu items further enhances our food and beverage (F&B) offering, and is a testimony to our airline’s commitment to continue to provide premium products to our guests.”

Linda Celestino, VP, Guest Experience & Delivery, added: “As the first airline in the region to achieve Weqaya status, we are both honoured and excited to promote health and wellness not just in Abu Dhabi, but also onboard our flights.”

Last year, Etihad introduced Weqaya food items to restaurants in its headquarters, further highlighting its commitment to the health and well-being of its employees.

Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, Director of Public Health Division, said: "We are working at the Department of Health to increase the availability of healthy food options and promote a culture that embraces healthy eating among all groups in the society across the emirate. Cooperation with Etihad Airways is a demonstration that following a healthy lifestyle is our ultimate goal and our efforts towards 'a healthier Abu Dhabi' knows no boundaries or distances.”

Al Hajeri added: “Our cooperation with Etihad Airways is growing stronger by opening new prospects for broadening our collaboration horizons. Last year we worked together on the implementation of Weqaya Food Specifications, in Etihad Airways restaurants and cafes. With the announcement of healthy meal options being offered on Etihad Airways flights, we take a step closer together towards the wellness and health of our community.”


Explore:

Apply to become a Weqaya healthy food provider

Etihad Holidays sets up operations in KSA, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain

Etihad Holidays has launched operations in KSA, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain to provide a wide choice of package holiday options to travellers in the four countries.

Launched in 2004, Etihad Holidays offers dynamically packaged holidays at exceptional rates at many of the world’s leading hotel brands. Guests can now book their flights with Etihad Airways and its partner airlines together with their hotel, rental car, transfers, tours and activities, with real time availability, at the best available prices.

The move follows the successful introduction of Etihad Airways’ holiday division in the UAE and India among other countries.

Darren Peisley, MD of Etihad Holidays’ parent Hala Group, said: “We continue our growth across the region, ensuring a new wave of customers have access to the great range of packages and hotels on offer through Etihad Holidays. We are excited to bring to residents of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain access to great rates for over 150 destinations around the world.”

The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme can be combined with any Etihad Holidays package, allowing guests to break their journey in Abu Dhabi, and take advantage of the special two-for-one night accommodation offers in the capital of the UAE.

A night free in Abu Dhabi flying Etihad

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will offer one night’s free accommodation at the Radisson Blu hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island to all guests travelling in Economy Class from the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, and stopping over in the national capital.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive VP Commercial, said: “Etihad Airways is delighted to invite guests to experience Abu Dhabi for themselves. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has so much to offer all types of travellers, whether they are after culture, a beach break or sports and adventure.

“As the national airline, Etihad Airways is an integral part of this incredible city and those who transit through Abu Dhabi should be encouraged by us to experience it. This offer is for guests to make time to explore the many attractions Abu Dhabi has to offer during their stopover. The beautiful desert; a visit to the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – among the world’s biggest; a tour of the many attractions on Yas Island, or sampling the emirate’s world class hotels and restaurants are all part of the Abu Dhabi experience.”

More than 4.4 million guest arrivals were recorded in Abu Dhabi in 2016, proving that the emirate is becoming a favourite hub for stopovers. Guests can enjoy leisure and business attractions, include miles of white sand beaches, theme parks such as Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World, desert safari expeditions, arts and cultural institutions such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and its race track, Yas Marina Circuit.

Abu Dhabi also offers a wide range of dining and shopping opportunities. The city spacious high-end shopping malls such as Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall, and The Galleria.

Etihad Airways has been running stopover programmes since 2011, and offering guests a variety of services including airport meet & assist, transportation, accommodation, tours, and visa processing services.

Interested?

The offer is valid until 15 September 2017.

Etihad Guest launches Ramadhan campaign with Emirates Red Crescent

To celebrate the Year of Giving, Etihad Guest has launched a Ramadhan campaign with Emirates Red Crescent to provide meals to families in need in Somalia. The partnership is part of Etihad Airways’ contribution to the UAE’s Year of Giving programme.

Members of Etihad Airways’ loyalty programme can donate their miles to the emergency response in the African country, with 750 Etihad Guest Miles providing one meal. The aim of the campaign is to achieve 15 million miles' worth of donations, equivalent to 20,000 meals.

Yasser Al Yousuf, MD, Etihad Guest, said: “We are asking our members to make an easy but crucial statement this month by letting their miles make a difference to thousands of children and families in need in Somalia.

“The message is simple: the more donations we receive, the more people Emirates Red Crescent is able to feed. We have an ambitious goal of providing 20,000 meals and we hope that Etihad Guest members will join with us in supporting this important cause.”

Commending Etihad Airways’ humanitarian and development initiatives, HE Mohammed Yousef Al Fahim, Deputy Secretary-General for Support Services at Emirates Red Crescent, said: “The airline has been fulfilling its corporate social responsibility as it continues to play a vital role in supporting our national economy. The Emirates Red Crescent is proud of the partnership with Etihad Airways, which is a step forward to strengthening joint efforts to provide more care to people supported by Emirates Red Crescent in the UAE and abroad. We are confident that Etihad Guest initiative will take this partnership to new heights.”

Earlier in the year, Etihad Airways announced that it will donate AED1 from every flight ticket sold in the UAE during 2017 to Emirates Red Crescent’s local and international humanitarian projects.

The UAE national airline also painted one of its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft with the Year of Giving emblem to promote the campaign in its destinations around the world.

Interested?

Etihad Guest members can donate any amount they wish. Three thousand Etihad Guest Miles will feed a family of four and 37,500 Etihad Guest Miles will feed a community of 50. Donate

posted from Bloggeroid

Etihad brings in a Dreamliner for Abu Dhabi-Riyadh route

Etihad Airways is to deploy a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on one of its twice-daily scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi, UAE and Riyadh, KSA, with effect from 30 October 2016.

The upgrade from a single-aisle Airbus A321 aircraft will cater to strong demand to and from the capital of KSA, offering guests more seats on a wide-body aircraft. Together with the other daily Riyadh service operated by a Boeing 777, Etihad Airways will have more than 8,700 weekly seats on the route.

Flight EY317 will be operated with a B787, departing Abu Dhabi at 10:15am, arriving into Riyadh at 11:15am. The return flight EY318 departs Riyadh at 4:25pm, arriving into Abu Dhabi at 7:10pm. The flights will provide connections to and from destinations across key markets in Europe, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia.

The 299-seat aircraft, configured in two classes, offers cabin interiors with 28 seats in Business and 271 in Economy. Guests will be able to experience the airline’s Business Studio seat on board. The seat, which provides guests with direct aisle access, is also equipped with an in-seat massage and air cushion control system. Business Class guests using the service can choose from three main courses, with further dine-on-demand options available. There are also specialised services onboard, including a Food & Beverage Manager in the premium cabin, multinational cabin crew and Flying Nannies, who are able to provide support to parents travelling with young children.

For B787 Economy Class passengers, the airline’s commitment to providing the best guest experiences is showcased by its Smart Seats. They have been designed to provide additional comfort through design features such as a ‘fixed wing’ headrest, extra seat width and individual TV monitors. Etihad Airways currently operates Panasonic eX3 IFE equipment for its B787 inflight entertainment system. Mobile connectivity with access to onboard Wi-Fi and seven satellite channels of live TV are also available.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: “The Boeing 787 is playing a key role in Etihad Airways’ fleet expansion with routes carefully selected on which to deploy this unique aircraft. We are delighted that Riyadh will soon join our 787 cities giving guests a different experience to and from Abu Dhabi, and with convenient connections to destinations across our diverse worldwide network.

“The aircraft also provides significantly more cargo capacity to facilitate the movement of a greater number of goods to and from the Saudi capital. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a very important market for Etihad Airways, supporting our global expansion since the launch of services 13 years ago. Our commitment to the Saudi market has grown since we began flying to Riyadh in 2004, steadily increasing our presence to the current 63 flights each week to and from four Saudi cities.”

Etihad Airways’ flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam are complemented by Saudi codeshare partner flynas, whose dedicated services between Abu Dhabi and both Riyadh and Jeddah provide travellers with even more choice.

Riyadh becomes Etihad Airways’ newest B787 destination this year following the induction of the aircraft on flights to Perth, Dusseldorf and Shanghai. Etihad Airways’ current fleet of nine B787s also operates to Singapore, Washington DC, Brisbane and Zurich.

Daily flight schedules: Abu Dhabi – Riyadh

Flt No.	Origin	Departs	Destination	Arrives	Aircraft
EY315	Abu Dhabi	01:55	Riyadh	02:45	Boeing 777
EY316	Riyadh	04:15	Abu Dhabi	07:00	Boeing 777
EY317	Abu Dhabi	10:15	Riyadh	11:15	Boeing 787
EY318	Riyadh	16:25	Abu Dhabi	19:10	Boeing 787

*All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Etihad celebrates 10 years of flying to Qatar with more flights a week

Etihad Airways is celebrating 10 years of flying to Qatar this year by launching nine additional weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi-Doha route, reinforcing its commitment to one of the airline’s key markets in the Gulf.

Effective 1 August 2016, the national airline of the UAE will increase weekly frequency to Qatar’s capital city to 37 services. The new daily morning flights as well as the early evening departures on Thursdays and Saturdays provide more flexibility and greater convenience and have been timed to cater to the needs of business travellers both in Abu Dhabi and Doha.

The extra frequencies will provide travellers to and from Doha with greater choice and travel options on Etihad Airways’ network across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, Indian Subcontinent and North America. The new services are also timed to coincide with the peak summer (roughly Q2 to Q3) travel months.

Since the Doha route was launched in 2006, Etihad Airways has steadily increased frequency to meet demand, and to offer more connectivity to the growing number of global destinations served from its Abu Dhabi hub.

Daniel Barranger, Etihad Airways Senior Vice President Global Sales, said: “Qatar is a key market for Etihad Airways. Since 2006, we have progressively developed the Abu Dhabi-Doha route to four daily flights, and what better way to celebrate our 10th anniversary linking the two capital cities than by upgrading this important route with nine new flights each week, further demonstrating our commitment to the Doha market.

“With an improved schedule to and from Doha, greater network reach and more connectivity, we look forward to giving our guests increased choice and access to even more destinations we fly to via our Abu Dhabi hub.”

New flights in the Daily flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Doha, effective 1 August 2016. All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Flight	Origin	Destination	Depart	Arrive	Aircraft	Frequency
EY 399	Abu Dhabi	Doha	2:50	2:55	A320	Daily
EY 390	Doha	Abu Dhabi	4:00	6:15	A320	Daily
EY 331	Abu Dhabi	Doha	7:45	7:50	A320	Daily
EY 332	Doha	Abu Dhabi	8:50	11:05	A320	Daily
EY 393	Abu Dhabi	Doha	8:45	8:50	A321	Daily
EY 394	Doha	Abu Dhabi	9:55	12:10	A321	Daily
EY 395	Abu Dhabi	Doha	15:30	15:35	A321	Daily
EY 396	Doha	Abu Dhabi	16:45	19:00	A321	Daily
EY 353	Abu Dhabi	Doha	17:30	17:35	A320	Thursday & Saturday
EY 354	Doha	Abu Dhabi	18:35	20:50	A320	Thursday & Saturday
EY 391	Abu Dhabi	Doha	21:35	21:40	A320	Daily
EY 398	Doha	Abu Dhabi	22:50	1:05	A320	Daily

Interested?

All fares are bookable online, through any Etihad Airways’ reservation office or through a local travel agent.

Etihad opens new First Class Lounge & Spa in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has opened its new flagship First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 3. The space showcases the airline’s commitment to providing unparallelled and aspirational hospitality experiences.

Inspired by the world’s most prestigious hotels, private members’ clubs and fine dining establishments, the lounge is an ultra-exclusive lifestyle environment with unrivalled design, style and comfort, world class dining, and bespoke beauty and relaxation services.

The lounge features 16 unique zones designed to ensure that guests can relax, re-energise and be entertained in total luxury before boarding their flight. An àla carte restaurant, fitness room, Six Senses Spa, Style & Shave barbers, nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation room, prayer room and children’s play room are part of the facilities.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our new First Class Lounge & Spa is the jewel in the crown of our new lounge offerings worldwide and represents the best of our home city of Abu Dhabi. It is a showcase of intelligent product design, innovation, ‎and superlative hospitality and service. This is not just a lounge but the ultimate airline hospitality experience and one which perfectly mirrors Etihad Airways’ evolution into the best airline in the world.

“Continuing our journey of innovation, this new dedicated First Class environment demonstrates our on-going commitment to developing world-class products as we continue to reimagine travel.”

Measuring just under 1,700 m², and boasting expansive views of the airport, the new facility is open round-the-clock for the exclusive use of guests of The Residence, Etihad First Class, Etihad Guest Exclusive, Etihad Guest Platinum members (plus one guest), Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airline First Class guests, EAP ‘Invitation only’ members (plus two guests) and EAP equivalent Platinum members (plus one guest).

Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing, said: “We are reimagining service and hospitality. Whilst this physical environment is truly remarkable, we have placed special emphasis on creating an aspirational luxury lifestyle space in line with our legendary inflight service offering. The result is the finest airline lounge and spa experience in the world.”

Guests of The Residence enjoy the exclusivity of their own private space discreetly located adjacent to the main lounge entrance. The secluded area boasts a dedicated Savoy-trained Butler, custom-made Poltrona Frau Italian leather armchairs and sofas, its own shower room stocked with a range of Acqua di Parma products, a prayer room, and private dining.

Guests of the First Class Lounge & Spa will be attended to by a number of expertly trained staff - all of whom have undergone a rigorous selection process. The lounge features a General Manager, Concierge, Maître d’Hotel, Savoy-trained Butlers, chefs and mixologists among its highly trained lounge team.

The Executive Chef brings with him immense experience from a long career with leading hotel brands including Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La, and Intercontinental. His team of skilled Sous Chefs, Demi Chefs, and Chef de Partie create superior haute cuisine dining served at an àla carte dining area. Menus are changed frequently and feature a choice of Arabian, Indian and international cuisine made to order at any time of day. The kitchen prepares all dining in-house using the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal produce. Guests will also be able to experience a unique five-course Emirati tasting menu, developed by chefs from Mezlai at the prestigious Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. A casual dining and bar snack menu is also provided.

A bespoke cocktail menu has been specially developed in partnership with leading London-based beverage consultancy Fluid Movement. The signature mocktail drink is the Abu Dhabi, which uses Middle-Eastern flavours such as aromatic cold brew coffee infused with cardamom and sprayed with delicate rose water. Everything on the menu is one-of-a-kind and named after Etihad’s leading destinations including New York, Melbourne, Shanghai, Paris, Mumbai, Sydney and London. Using ingredients inspired by these cities, beverages are hand-created by specially trained mixologists, using syrups and garnishes such as candy floss and dehydrated rhubarb.

The Six Senses Spa comprises three treatment rooms with shower facilities. First Class guests can enjoy a complimentary treatment, while guests in The Residence are offered two complimentary treatments.

In keeping with a focus on health and wellbeing, the Relax & Recline area features a large video wall made up of 27 individual screens, soothing sound and lighting, and is furnished with six Poltona Frau leather recliners. The fitness room is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym treadmills and cross trainers, and male and female washrooms and showers.

The Style & Shave area is staffed by barbers offering a series of hair and shave services, including one complimentary express treatment and a shoe shine service. The nail bar provides hair and nail services, including nail art, and one complimentary express treatment.

HE Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are delighted to support Etihad Airways with the launch of their First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport. This new facility will offer guests a truly exclusive and premium experience, and is a reflection of the continued commitment by the airline and the airport to offer the best possible services to passengers flying through the UAE capital.”

From an interior design perspective, the principles of style, space and serenity are complemented by Etihad Airways’ distinctive Facets of Abu Dhabi branding. With its geometric patterns and colour palette inspired by the UAE landscape, it is the ultimate expression of 21st century Arabian modernism.

The new facility adds to the airline’s expanding collection of 14 Premium Lounges including one recently launched in Melbourne and Premium Lounges in Abu Dhabi (Terminals 1 and 3) and in Sydney. At Abu Dhabi Airport, Etihad Airways also operates a dedicated Premium Lounge within the unique US Preclearance facility, and a Premium Arrivals Lounge. 

Flynas adds flights to Riyadh and Jeddah via Etihad partnership

Source: flynas. 

Effective 23 June, 2016, flynas will add a second daily service between Riyadh in KSA and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, increasing its combined offer with Etihad Airways to four daily services. Also on 23 June, flynas will enter the Jeddah – Abu Dhabi market with a daily flight which will complement Etihad Airways’ existing thrice daily services. Together, both carriers will offer four daily services linking Jeddah and the capital of the UAE.

This comes as part of an expanded codeshare agreement between the two airlines signed in October 2012. The codeshare agreement allows flynas to place its ‘XY’ code on multiple Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and 20 destinations on its global network. In addition to Riyadh and Jeddah, Etihad Airways currently serves Dammam and Madinah, offering a total of 63 weekly flights to KSA. With the new services, flynas will offer 14 weekly flights from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi and seven weekly flights from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi.

The additional flights from flynas will be operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, offering an additional 3,416 seats per week, and ensuring maximum connectivity through Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub to key destinations in North America, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

Gregory Kaldahl, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Network, said: “The expanding of our codeshare with flynas reflects our commitment to the key market of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new flynas services will offer business and leisure travellers greater choice and better flight connection in their travel to Riyadh, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi to Etihad Airways’ worldwide network.”

Bander Al Mohanna, CEO of NAS Holding, said. “Since its launch in December 2015, we have seen a significant increase in traffic on our daily Riyadh to Abu Dhabi route, owing to the strong demand for travel between the two capitals.

“By doubling the frequency of flights between these two strategically important destinations, we are pleased to offer our guests increased flexibility, more choice and greater convenience.

“The launch of the additional flights is also a true testament to the success of our codeshare partnership with the UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways, with whom we look forward to continue expanding our services in the future, most immediately with the introduction of daily flights between Jeddah and Abu Dhabi from 23 June, which will further widen the choice available to guests traveling in both directions for business or leisure.”

Flynas Riyadh, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi schedule effective 23 June 2016 (all times local)

Flight No,	Origin	Destination	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
518	Abu Dhabi	Jeddah	03:30	05:20	Daily	A320
517	Jeddah	Abu Dhabi	06:20	10:10	Daily	A320
220	Abu Dhabi	Riyadh	15:25	16:10	Daily	A320
219	Riyadh	Abu Dhabi	17:40	20:30	Daily	A320
222	Abu Dhabi	Riyadh	21:20	22:05	Daily	A320
221	Riyadh	Abu Dhabi	22:50	01:35	Daily	A320

Etihad inks deal with Cognizant to define digital strategy and enhance guest experience

Source: Cognizant. Dr John Burgin, Head of Cognizant Digital Works, APAC and Middle East (left) and Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, sign the strategic agreement between Etihad Airways and Cognizant.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and Cognizant, an IT, consulting, and business process outsourcing services provider, have inked a strategic agreement to drive digital transformation across the airline and its equity partners. Under the three-year, multi-million dollar deal, Cognizant will help Etihad Airways define its digital strategy and reimagine the guest experience along a guest's travel journey across the group.

By bringing together its digital strategy, technology, industry and experiential design expertise, Cognizant will conduct a comprehensive study of Etihad Airways' current business and technology footprint to outline and operationalise a best-in-class digital ecosystem, enabling multi-channel distribution, customer persona segmentation and personalised marketing techniques.

Through data and customer insights, Cognizant will enable Etihad Airways, and subsequently its equity partners, to better understand the needs of their guests. Combining this research with streamlined best practices, processes and technology, the airline will provide guests with customised offerings, tailored travel solutions, and enhanced experiences throughout their journey based on their loyalty status and personal preferences such as product and service features, preferred seating, meal choices, holiday destinations and more. For the airline, this means unlocking new revenue streams, enhancing its brand and building new commercial models.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Our guests are increasingly turning to digital channels to connect with us, and therefore we recognise the importance of delivering a personalised and seamless guest experience across all touch-points. Our partnership with Cognizant will help us define a superior digital experience roadmap that enhances the customer journey from planning to booking, in the airport and on the plane, and improve guest loyalty by attracting and engaging with guests in new and innovative ways. The scope includes digital tools and data insights for our customer-facing staff to further enhance their ability to provide a more customised and personalised service to our guests."

Robert Webb, Etihad Airways' Chief Information and Technology Officer, said: "This partnership is core to our technology and innovation strategy, which will empower us and our equity partners to redefine an exceptional digital guest experience that matches our remarkable inflight and on-ground experience. We chose Cognizant because of its leadership in digital transformation programmes, deep travel and hospitality industry experience, and long-term partnerships with digital technology leaders."

Francisco D'Souza, Chief Executive Officer, Cognizant, said: "We are pleased to partner with Etihad Airways to create a world-class airline guest experience by harnessing the power of digital technologies. For Cognizant, 'digital' means the ability to connect technology, data science, devices, design, and business strategy to transform processes and experiences. This engagement marks the coming together of two pioneering organisations whose growth strategy is underpinned by digital innovation.

"The Cognizant Digital Works team looks forward to helping Etihad Airways and its equity partners deliver control, simplicity and transparency to the modern connected traveller. The digital initiative will further strengthen Etihad Airways' leadership position as a premium brand known for high-touch customer service."

As part of the engagement, Cognizant will manage Etihad Airways' existing web applications and portals and integrate them into the new digital platform. A new Digital Centre of Excellence will be established to drive innovation with the airline's key technology partners.

Interested?

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post about Etihad's adoption of Adobe's cloud-based solutions

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post about what Cognizant thinks of the smart-life trend