Dubai Etihad Airways has commenced scheduled flights between its hub in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, China.
The airline will initially operate five weekly Airbus A330-300 services to Shanghai's main international airport — Pudong — with commitments to a daily schedule from April 15.
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the new route is the first non-stop commercial passenger flight between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
"The new Shanghai route adds much more than just another destination to the Etihad Airways global network.
"It brings the capital of the UAE and the commercial and financial centre of mainland China closer together and creates new opportunities for government, trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
"Shanghai is today the most populous city in China with an estimated 23 million inhabitants and is a powerhouse economy with a total GDP in excess of $256.3 billion (Dh941 billion).
"It's also building an ambitious future in which it will be the world's epicentre of financial and international trade.
"Our entry into the Shanghai market is timed to take advantage of these opportunities. We have great confidence that the Shanghai route will contribute to a sustainable future for our passenger and cargo business in China.
Full connectivity
"Our schedule provides full connectivity to key destinations and offers passengers from the Shanghai catchment greater choice and travel convenience."
Hogan also noted the Abu Dhabi-Shanghai route was the only one in Etihad Airways' China network to offer the luxury and prestige of a three-class aircraft with first, business and economy cabins.
"From our world-leading first class, with its private suites and onboard chefs, through to our inspired service in economy, Etihad Airways will offer travellers from the region an incomparable flying experience."
Etihad has also commenced codeshare flights with Hainan Airlines of China. The landmark agreement is the airline's first codeshare with a Chinese carrier.
Hainan Airlines now places its ‘HU' code on Etihad Airways-operated flights between Abu Dhabi and the airline's three gateway cities in China: Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. The agreement also extends to Etihad Airways flights to Khartoum International Airport in Sudan.
Hogan said the codeshare with Hainan Airlines was a key plank in the airline's Chinese market strategy.
"The agreement with Hainan Airlines expands our network reach into China and gives us immediate access to the millions of potential Chinese travellers to the Middle East and beyond to Africa.
"It also provides a firm foundation for growing the Etihad Airways brand in the Chinese market. We will continue to explore opportunities for collaboration with Hainan Airlines and in particular, to include more destinations on each other's networks over time."
The reciprocal agreement integrates the Etihad Guest and Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club loyalty programmes, enabling travellers to earn miles on each other's flights.
Baggage: higher allowance
Etihad Airways has increased baggage allowances for all Pearl Business class and Diamond First class guests by 10kg.
Guests in business class will now have an allowance of 40kg, and guests in first class will get 50kg. Members of the Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme travelling in first class or business class cabins can enjoy additional allowances.
