Etihad committed to Irish travel market

Dubai : Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer James Hogan has highlighted the airline's commitment to the Irish market at a series of events and stakeholder meetings in Dublin.

Speaking at a private luncheon for key government officials, travel trade and major corporations, Hogan acknowledged the importance of the Irish market to Etihad's network with 10 services per week operating at almost 80 per cent occupancy since commencement of services.

He said: "The Abu Dhabi-Dublin route is extremely valuable for Etihad. .... We've increased our services from four to 10 per week in just three years.

"We opened a line maintenance facility in June this year and we will soon be moving to Dublin International Airport's T2, where we will open a Business Class lounge early next year.

"Etihad has worked with local tourism operators to maintain consistent traffic from Dublin to destinations ... including Australia, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East.

"We are also working across a number of markets to promote tourism into Ireland as a means of supporting the local industry," he added.

The chief executive travelled with a number of senior executives from Etihad Airways including Hasan Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President Chief Executive Affairs and Corporate Security; Khalid Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President of Government and Aeropolitical Affairs; and Hareb Almuhairy, Vice President Sales, UAE.

The Etihad delegation held a meeting with Prime Minister Brian Cowen and the UAE Ambassador to Ireland, Khalid Nasser Rashid Lootah.