Etihad Airways to launch flights to Paris, Dhaka and Casablanca

Etihad Airways used the ITB, currently taking place in Berlin, to announce its intent to launch flights to three new international destinations - Paris, Dhaka and Casablanca.

“The last 12 months has seen Etihad continue to grow at a rapid pace with the addition of 14 new international destinations, and the arrival of our first purpose built Boeing and Airbus fleet. With 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries and regions attending ITB, it is the perfect opportunity for Etihad Airways to further develop its international profile,” said H.E. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways and Chairman of GAMCO, Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company.

Etihad will launch six flights a week to Terminal 2A at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport from 1 June. The new service will offer a total weekly capacity of 1296 seats, and will further boost the cargo capacity into the European market.

The Abu Dhabi-based international airline will operate some of the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft to Paris, including the modern Airbus A330-200, in a three Zone configuration. The A330-200 can accommodate 216 passengers in the 3 Zones, 12 seats in Diamond, 24 in Pearl and 180 seats in Coral. – and offers a cargo capacity of 15 tons each way.

The new Dhaka route also follows Etihad Airways’ ambitious plans to link Abu Dhabi to the world’s most important commercial and cultural centres, and will provide a major service to the 350,000 Bangladeshi nationals based in the UAE.

Etihad will launch four flights a week to Dhaka from 3 May 2006, increasing to five per week from 5 June 2006. The new service will offer a total weekly capacity of 1,465 seats, and 15 tons of cargo, in each direction.

The new Casablanca route will start on 1 July 2006 and will operate four times a week. Passengers will be able to enjoy the luxury of the Etihad Airways A330-200, configured to carry 22 in Pearl Zone and 240 travellers in the Coral Zone.

Etihad Airways is exhibiting at stand 104 in Hall 22 at ITB 2006.

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