Etihad Airways pleased by high demand and reception from U.S. consumers for the airline's world class product, service, and connectivity offering‎

INAUGURAL BOOKING IN RESIDENCE BY ETIHAD FROM NEW YORK
TO ABU DHABI PURCHASED JUST HOURS AFTER A380 FLIGHTS ANNOUNCED‎

NEW YORK, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ - Etihad Airways today announced the first booking on the airline's inaugural flight between New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and Abu Dhabi in The Residence by Etihad™. The booking for the airline's ultra-luxurious and private three-room suite in the sky came just hours after the carrier announced the upcoming launch of new Airbus A380 service for guests traveling on the popular route, beginning December 1, 2015.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "New York was Etihad Airways' first U.S. destination and an important market for our airline. Since the launch of our inaugural service in 2006, we have been extremely pleased with the reception and support we have received from U.S. consumers and the business community for the world class product, hospitality and destination offerings we provide. In fact, Etihad planes now operate with 85% average load factors between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi, a clear reinforcement of the high demand that exists among U.S. consumers.

That high demand was further reinforced with the booking of The Residence by Etihad on our inaugural A380 flight between JFK and Abu Dhabi just hours after we announced its availability.  We look forward to welcoming guests traveling with us on board the A380, beginning December 1 and remain committed to offering customers traveling on Etihad Airways between the six markets we serve within the U.S. and Abu Dhabi the very best hospitality experience available – across every class of service."

The Residence by Etihad, which marks a first in commercial aviation, is exclusively available on the airline's A380 aircraft. Travel in The Residence between JFK and Abu Dhabi can be purchased for $32,000 one way which includes one or two guests. Among the many exclusive benefits offered to discerning Residence guests, a dedicated Savoy Academy trained Butler is available to look after their every need while on board.

Etihad Airways is the only commercial carrier to provide service for consumers traveling between U.S. cities including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York- JFK, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. and Abu Dhabi. 

Through Etihad Airways' hub in Abu Dhabi, the airline connects the fastest growing regions of the world – the Middle East, South Asia and Africa - with each other, the United States and Europe.    

Guests interested in booking flights for travel on Etihad Airways' A380 between New York's JFK Airport and Abu Dhabi can do so today at http://www.etihad.com/.

Beginning December 1, 2015, Etihad Airways double daily service schedule between Abu Dhabi and New York-JFK will operate as follows:

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

For high resolution videos of Etihad Airways A380 aircraft please click on: http://blog.etihad.com/en/dec-18-reveal/. For images of Etihad Airways' new A380 aircraft and cabins, please visit: www.etihadmediacentre.com 

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 110 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 70 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia, and is in the process of formalising an equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.  For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

SOURCE Etihad Airways