Etihad Airways to launch Flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait

Etihad Airways is to launch services to Kuwait from 1 July 2006.

A popular route for both intra-regional and global business travellers, Etihad will operate six-flights-a-week between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City with a combination of the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus 330-200 and Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.

“Etihad is proud to be flying to more than 30 world-wide destinations, and the addition of Kuwait City is important because it supports our ambitions of bringing the people of the Middle East together whilst enhancing trade and tourist links,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways.

The UAE and Kuwait have a great deal in common, especially in their roles as two of the world’s largest oil producers. Moreover, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City are amongst two of the most affluent cities in the GCC with per capita incomes of $29,100 and $21,300 respectively.

The impact of the energy industry has been considerable for both countries and enabled major investment in the hospitality sector, with impressive hotel developments under construction and occupancy nearly doubling since 2000.

“Both Abu Dhabi and Kuwait share a strong commercial bond, one that runs far deeper than oil. The introduction of a six-times-a-week service will enhance the already strong trade links within the GCC and across the globe,” added HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan.

Travellers using the new service will experience Etihad’s unique levels of hospitality aboard the 262-seat Airbus A330-200 (22 in Pearl and 240 in Coral) and 378-seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft (28 in Pearl and 350 in Coral).

The new route will also increase the capabilities of Etihad Crystal Cargo which will be able to carry between 14 and 20 tonnes of cargo on each flight depending on the aircraft.

Flight EY717 will operate every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Abu Dhabi, departing at 19:05 and arriving in Kuwait at 19:45 local time. Return flights leave Kuwait City at 20.45, arriving in the UAE capital at 23:25.

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays flights will leave Abu Dhabi at 14:25, arriving in Kuwait at 15:05 local time. Return services then depart at 16.05, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 18:45.

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