Dubai Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will substantially boost its Middle Eastern operations next month with the addition of flights to Kuwait and Dammam.
Starting from April 1, Etihad Airways will increase frequency to Kuwait from 21 to 25 flights per week, and to Dammam from 13 to 16 flights per week, subject to regulatory approval.
The additional services will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration, and will increase capacity by approximately 20 per cent on both routes.
The timing of the new services will provide greater access for business travellers to explore commercial opportunities in the two cities. In particular, guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait will be able to take advantage of the new conveniently timed evening departure.
New manager
The new flights will also significantly improve connectivity through the airline's Abu Dhabi hub to key destinations in the rest of the Middle East and across Asia, Europe and North America.
Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: "Kuwait and Dammam are important strategic destinations for us due to the established cultural and commercial ties between the UAE and both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
"The additional flights will open new horizons for commercial activities in both cities and will further strengthen our Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) network. Our guests will now have more flexibility in their travel to Abu Dhabi and on to the airline's worldwide network."
Etihad Airways launched services to Kuwait in July 2006.
Those to Dammam were launched in December 2004 and continue to be operated in partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines.
In addition to serving Dammam, Etihad Airways also offers 13 flights per week to the Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Etihad has announced a new general manager for Germany. Philip Lewin will lead the airline's German sales and marketing operations beginning April 10.
Free stopover on offer
Etihad Airways is offering one night's free accommodation to passengers stopping over in Abu Dhabi for a minimum of two nights before December 1. The Essential Stopovers offer, part of the Essential Abu Dhabi programme, can be redeemed at 25 hotels ranging from three to five star.
Further nights in five and four star accommodation can be purchased at rates as low as $59 per person, based on twin occupancy, and $43 for three star accommodation.
Etihad Airways passengers taking advantage of the stopover offer can also enjoy two-for-one deals at Ferrari World, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Yas Links and Monte Carlo Beach Club.
Two-for-one safaris or tours can also be claimed from operators Desert Safari and Abu Dhabi City Tour.
The stopover programme offer is available to all Etihad Airways guests, as well to passengers travelling on Etihad Airways marketed flights. All passengers must have an onward booking beyond Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, the airline has won the Expedia online travel campaign of the year award for the second year in a row. The award is bestowed by Expedia Media Solutions, the media division of Expedia Inc. The 2011 Emea Airline Campaign of the Year is awarded to an airline which creates the most impactful regional campaign of the year encompassing engagement, creativity, relevancy and stellar results.
