Airline to shift to new headquarters by 2008

Dubai: Etihad Airways will spend Dh183.6 million ($50 million) this year to build a new head office and training facilities, according to the company.

The new headquarters is being built near Abu Dhabi International Airport and is expected to be finished by year-end. Once opened, the main office building will offer a reception, atrium and open-plan offices for each Etihad department.

A training facility will house four simulators that have been approved by the Department for Civil Aviation, a full-scale interior of a Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus aircraft, training pool and lounge and canteen for cabin crew and pilots. The training ground will be completed in the third quarter this year.

Etihad will increase its staffing levels dramatically this year from its current level of 3,500 workers. Its current cabin crew staff level of 1,200 will grow to 2,000 by the end of 2007 as it takes delivery of a new plane each month this year.

These are part of the UAE national carrier's investment in expanding its facilities that will help the airline to host majority of the business activities.