Dubai: Etihad Airways is increasing capacity on flights between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne from next month, the airline said in a statement.
The airline stated on Thursday it will replace the Airbus 340-600 that currently flies on the route with a Boeing 777-300ER.
The B777 will start operating from December 1 and offer 328 seats in a three-class configuration. The larger aircraft adds 36 more seats than the Airbus A340-600 currently flying on the route.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, stated Melbourne and Australia is an important destination and market in the Etihad network.
“Etihad Airways’ Melbourne–Abu Dhabi flights are some of the strongest performers in our network — this year load factors between the two cities have averaged more than 80 per cent,” he stated.
The switch to the B777 increases overall seat capacity by 12 per cent, while increasing business class seat capacity by 25 per cent.
Along with increasing passenger traffic, Etihad’s cargo division could also improve with greater cargo space available on the Boeing 777 aircraft.
Hogan stated the Boeing 777 offers a bellyhold cargo capacity of around 14-16 tonnes, giving the airline potential to further capaitalise on the trade relationship between the UAE and the Middle East.
