Etihad commences Perth services

Dubai: Etihad Airways started direct daily services between Abu Dhabi and Perth this week, the first non-stop commercial air link between the two cities.

Inaugural flight EY486 landed at Perth International Airport at 1.10pm (local time) on Wednesday where it was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute, according to an Etihad statement.

Etihad now operates 35 weekly flights between Australia and Abu Dhabi, including services operated by codeshare and equity partner Virgin Australia. The Etihad Perth service will connect with 13 regional destinations operated by Virgin Australia throughout Western Australia.