Etihad Airways Launches Daily Flights to Washington, D.C.

Etihad Airways has launched non-stop daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C., creating the first direct air link between the two capitals.

The new service to Washington Dulles International Airport has been introduced to meet strong demand for government and business travel, as well as growing demand for leisure trips between and beyond the cities.

“Government and corporate customers in both markets have given us strong indication that the Abu Dhabi - Washington route can support a daily service from day one,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We have confidently responded by committing 3,360 seats per week and already our forward bookings on the route are very encouraging in both directions. In addition, we will open a US$6.8 million premium lounge this week in Terminal A at Dulles Airport to benefit our Diamond First and Pearl Business Class passengers.”

Washington, D.C., is the fourth North American destination for Etihad Airways after New York, Chicago and Toronto. To date, the airline has carried almost two million passengers between Abu Dhabi and North America, achieving 12.6%growth in passenger numbers last year.

Etihad Airways serves the Abu Dhabi – Washington, D.C., route with ultra-long range Airbus A340-500 aircraft, seating 240 passengers in a three-class cabin – 12 in Diamond First, 28 in Pearl Business and 200 in Coral Economy Class.