These services give citizens of other nations who are unable to leave the UAE due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the opportunity to fly home. In some instances, Etihad has also been able to repatriate UAE citizens, and carry fresh produce as belly-hold cargo, on the return segments back to Abu Dhabi.

To date, these services have covered a number of destinations, including the United States, Australia, and Sri Lanka.

All of these operations have been approved by the UAE Government and we continue to work closely with the authorities on the continuation of these types of operations, with a view to expanding the number of flights on the basis of approaches from a number of foreign governments.

Etihad will continue to offer such services, and from 5 April, will operate a regular service to a number of destinations starting with Seoul Incheon, and following with others such as Melbourne, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Amsterdam. These destinations are subject to government approvals.

Once approved, these flights will be available for booking through etihad.com, the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE), or through a local or online travel agency.

Customers can now book the extra transfer service online for their flight via etihad.com immediately after purchasing their airline ticket or even up to one hour in advance. The new service covers various car categories from limousines to SUVs – all operated by professional chauffeurs.

Jamal Al Awadhi, Etihad Airways Vice President Product and Guest Experience, said: “It is important that our renowned Etihad experience exists across the entire customer journey. This new service enhancement provides a seamless transportation experience for our guests from their home to the airport and then upon arrival at their destination.”

Vinzenz Pflanz, President Corporate Sales, SIXT SE, said: “I’m delighted we are expanding our strategic partnership to jointly offer our customers additional travel benefits. Our companies are not only two strong brands in the travel and tourism industry, but we also operate globally across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.”

SIXT offers a unique, integrated range of mobility services in the areas of car rental, car sharing and ride services. For SIXT ride there are over one million trained drivers worldwide ready to pick you up from the airport and provide safe transports.

Additionally, Etihad will operate six charter flights dedicated to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Zayed Foundation and Abu Dhabi police. The outbound flights will operate from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah and Medina between 1 and 5 August, with return flights scheduled for 16 and 17 August.

Houssam Weiss, Head of UAE Sales at Etihad Airways: “Etihad has been operating Hajj flights since 2007 and we remain committed to providing our additional services during this important season for the Muslim world. In total, we carried approximately 300,000 pilgrims to the city of Mecca to perform Hajj.

“We aim to help our guests to complete this once-in-a-lifetime religious journey with ease and peace of mind. This year we expect approximately 25,000 Hajj travellers on our flights, with most originating in Australia, Pakistan, Morocco, United Kingdom, India and Indonesia, travelling via our Abu Dhabi hub.”

To facilitate the Hajj travel experience, Etihad will assign a dedicated staff and check-in counters at Abu Dhabi International Airport to ensure a seamless ground experience.

Extra provisions will be made inflight by the cabin crew to meet pilgrims’ requirements, including facilitating the performing of ablutions, advising them of the entry into Al Miqat (state of sanctity), and the changing into Ihram robes.

On return flights from Saudi Arabia, Etihad Airways will permit Hajj pilgrims to carry a five-litre container of Zamzam water free of charge and will provide extra care for its handling.

All three destinations will feature Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy cabins, configured with 299 seats – 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Etihad Airways extensive global network to and from Abu Dhabi will see more 787 Dreamliners introduced on key destinations as the airline takes delivery of more of the type.

Timetable

Boeing 787 schedule to Johannesburg, effective 01 August 2019

 *Next day arrival

Boeing 787 schedule to Lagos, effective 02 August 2019

Boeing 787 schedule to Milan, effective 01 September 2019

The partnership will see the Avis, Budget, Maggiore and Zipcar brands offered across the various Etihad booking channels worldwide.  Etihad Guest members will benefit from the Avis Preferred programme and an improved earning proposition.

Avis Budget Group’s Director of International Sales & Partnerships, Julia Kemp said: “We are delighted that we have extended our partnership with Etihad to be the exclusive global mobility provider.”

“The partnership is far-reaching and there are wonderful opportunities across all facets of the Etihad Aviation Group.  As well as offering deals on Avis Budget Group car rentals, we will be looking at tri-party campaigns with hotels, tourist boards and credit cards.” 

Etihad Airways Vice President Commercial Partnerships, Yasser Al Yousuf said: “We are delighted to embark on this new partnership with Avis Budget Group. This partnership gives our guests a seamless travel experience door to door.

“We chose Avis Budget Group as an exclusive partner for their wide-ranging fleet of cars and their global reach, which suits the needs of our guests and plays a big part of our ‘Choose Well’ campaign empowering customers to make their own choices.”To celebrate the new partnership, Etihad Guest and Avis Budget are offering Etihad Guest members the chance to win flights for two, with Etihad Airways anywhere across the Etihad network – plus 7 days car rental. To be eligible, members need to book a car rental before 30 April 2019.

Eligible customers of Etihad Airways, and those of its partner airline, Virgin Australia, travelling through Sydney will be able to experience The House from Tuesday October 23, while the new upgraded lounge experience will open for customers departing Melbourne on Saturday October 27, following the brand’s launch at Heathrow Terminal 4, on 5 October.

The House is the result of a unique collaboration between Etihad Airways and award-winning lounge provider, No 1 Lounges, with the two brands working together to create a stylish and contemporary airport lounge experience in keeping with Etihad’s design and guest experience philosophy.

To be known as ‘The House, home of Etihad Airways’, the new brand represents Etihad and the needs of its premium customers through three core pillars: simplicity with sophistication, privacy with attentiveness; and tranquillity with engagement.

From launch, the kitchens and bars will offer greater choice, with emphasis on wellbeing and local produce. All dishes will be freshly prepared and guests will be able to enjoy self-service and a la carte menus in the upgraded dining areas. The bars will have a new cocktail and mocktail list, and a selection of great Australian wines.

Over the next year, both lounges will be refurbished and see the introduction of new reading rooms. The House in Sydney will have a new private room for VIP guests, such as those travelling in the Residence.

Complimentary entry will continue to be offered to Etihad Airways Business Class and First Class customers, and to those travelling in The Residence. Gold and Platinum members of the airline’s Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme and Business Class and First Class travellers ticketed on codeshare partner services operated by Etihad Airways will also eligible for access.

The airline will also offer paid-for access to The House for its Economy Class travellers. The lounge will also continue to be used by the premium passengers of a small number of other airlines and, subject to availability, will be available for purchase by passengers of other airlines.

To be known as ‘The House’, the project is the result of a unique collaboration between the airline and the award-winning lounge provider, which will operate the new brand.

The project begins at London Heathrow, where Etihad Airways’ lounge will be rebranded ‘The House, home of Etihad Airways and other leading airlines’. The scope of the new lounge brand may be expanded to include other lounges.

No1 Lounges has worked closely with Etihad Airways to create a bold, contemporary and aspirational experience which will continue to deliver and exceed the service, hospitality and interior design expectations of the airline’s discerning customers.

Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Experience and Delivery, said: “This is an innovative development for Etihad’s international lounge offering. No1 Lounges stood out for their operational skill and expertise, and for their creative approach to Etihad’s lounge needs.

“This new venture will enable the airline to maintain its brand presence, and at the same time enhance and improve the overall lounge experience for our premium guests. It will also provide an opportunity for our Economy guests to upgrade their pre-flight experience.”

The choice of UK-based No1 Lounges for this project follows a study of leading global lounge service providers and an extensive RFP process by the airline. No1 Lounges’ proven expertise and experience will see a number of enhancements to the lounge experience for Etihad Airways’ customers, building on the airline’s reputation for service excellence, and providing more choice and quality. This collaboration will also allow better utilisation of the lounge and make the experience accessible to a wider market.

Phil Cameron, Chief Executive Officer, No1 Lounges, said: “We have worked closely with Etihad Airways over the last year to develop a new brand which complements its world-class in-flight service, to modernise the lounge interiors and to broaden the lounge’s appeal.

“We applaud Etihad Airways for breaking new ground, by working so closely with an independent operator like No1. Together, we have found ways of improving the lounge experience for the airline’s guests, while creating a much more effective operating model.”

Complimentary entry will continue to be offered to Etihad Airways Business Class and First Class customers, and to those travelling in The Residence. Gold and Platinum members of the airline’s Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme and Business Class and First Class travellers ticketed on codeshare partner services operated by Etihad Airways will also eligible for access.

The airline will also offer paid-for access to The House for its Economy Class travellers. The lounge will also continue to be used by the premium passengers of a small number of other airlines and, subject to availability, will be available for purchase by passengers of other airlines.

From launch, guests will enjoy a new, white-linen dining experience and a more extensive bar service, including freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, world coffees and a more sophisticated wine list.

Over the next year, the lounge will be reconfigured to include new lounge areas, bar, dining room, and reading room, as well as upgraded showers and prayer rooms. The new bar will also offer a comprehensive cocktail and mocktail list.

The ‘Deal Fare’ includes a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance of 7kg and is available on flights between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Azerbaijan.

Robin Kamark, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “After a successful trial of the ‘Deal Fare’ late last year, purchasing behaviour demonstrated guests appreciate having more choice and like to be able to select the travel option that best meets their needs.

“We are enhancing our product offering to align with customer feedback. Guests travelling for business, weekend getaways or day trips who like to travel light can now avail cheaper fares.”

Guests looking to add additional checked baggage after purchasing a ‘Deal Fare’ can simply buy extra allowance at check-in or enjoy a 20 per cent discount when buying in advance online.

Etihad Guest members who purchase the ‘Deal Fare’ can continue to enjoy free checked baggage allowance (Etihad Guest Silver – 10kg, Etihad Guest Gold – 15kg and Etihad Guest Platinum – 20kg).

Etihad Airways has successfully implemented several new ancillary products to provide guests additional choice including extra legroom seats, neighbour-free seats and preferred seating.

The flights will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 40 seats in Business Class and 340 in Economy Class.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce more flights to cosmopolitan Toronto, one of the most successful and popular destinations on our global route network. This news has been eagerly anticipated.

“We have welcomed well over a million guests on our flights to Toronto since we launched the service almost 13 years ago. This development is great news for UAE nationals, for who Canada is an exciting trade, touristic, and cultural partner, and for Canadians, including the thousands residing here in the emirates. The UAE is also Canada’s largest export market in the MENA region, so the extra services are a boost for trade to and from the area and beyond.”

Etihad Airways inaugurated services to Toronto on October 2005, and since then the route has proved very successful for the airline, recording consistently strong demand to and from both cities.

Approximately 45,000 Canadian citizens reside in the UAE, with over 150 Canadian companies registered across the country. Citizens of both countries now enjoy visa-free entry for business and tourism on stays of up to six months.

Etihad Airways has a codeshare partnership in place with Air Canada, with the Canadian flag carrier placing its ‘AC’ code on Etihad services from Toronto to Abu Dhabi and from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi. Under the agreement, Etihad Airways places its ‘EY’ code on Air Canada’s multiple daily services from Toronto to points across Canada including Montreal, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, St.Johns, Halifax, Regina, and Fort McMurray.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, flights will depart Abu Dhabi at 10h05, arriving in Toronto at 16h30. Flights will depart Toronto on the same days at 22h55, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 19h40(+1).

New snack options now include locally sourced brands Munchbox and Freakin’ Healthy, who promise to deliver healthier food options using natural ingredients, no added sugar and are GMO free. Now also available on board are Hunter’s Gourmet Potato and Vegetable Crisps which are all hand cut with no artificial colours, trans fat or preservatives, and are also GMO free.

Those looking for a mid-movie snack can enjoy gourmet salted caramel popcorn, an artisan hot chocolate or choose from a range of gluten, wheat and dairy free Nakd snack bars.

The new and existing range of products will be available on long-haul and ultra long-haul flights. Items available for onboard purchase:

Freakin’ Healthy Raw Chocolate Bars
Hunter Ridges Crisps
Hunter’s Gourmet Vegetable Crisps
Munchbox Roasted Corn Kernels and Almonds | Assorted Nuts
Nakd Snack Bars
Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn
Saile & Sabga Gourmet Hot Chocolate
Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV Champagne by the glass
Snack Box (Sea Salt Crisps, Smarties, a Kit Kat and a Mars Bar)
Christian Lacroix male and female branded amenity kits with Omorovicza products
Christian Lacroix branded sleepwear
Future enhancements will enable guests to view a digital menu of items available for purchase through the inflight entertainment system.

Etihad Airways has a range of enhanced services for Economy Class customers, including pay-for lounge access and chauffeur transfers at a number of airports on the airline’s global network, neighbour-free seats and extra-legroom seats.