Etihad Airways today launched its inaugural flight Sydney with flight EY450 taking off Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10.10am.
The UAE’s flag carrier will operate three flights weekly to the Australian city, upping its frequencies to daily from June 29.
Etihad CEO James Hogan has hinted at operating a double daily service to Sydney or introducing a flight to another Australian city after the UAE and Australia on Wednesday (March 21) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) permitting more flights to operate between both countries.
The MoU will allow a phased increase of 56 frequencies per week for each country.
As a result, the designated airlines of each country, namely Emirates and Etihad in the UAE, and Australian flag carrier Qantas, will be permitted to operate 112 weekly frequencies by 2011.
Emirates, which currently flies to Australia 49 times weekly, will build up to 84 weekly services over the next four years. It is known that one of the carrier’s aims is to up Dubai-Sydney frequencies from double daily to four times daily.
Etihad will offer 28 flights weekly to Australia by 2010.
“We will seriously consider in the months ahead whether we fly twice daily to Sydney from next year or operate to another Australian city,” said Etihad CEO James Hogan.
In addition to the UAE securing increased air rights to Oz, Doha-based carrier Qatar Airways has also won the right to fly Down Under after months of lobbying for the privilege.
The airline will start flying to Melbourne later this year and will be permitted to operate services to a second Australian city, probably Sydney, next year.
Serving Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Sydney service is a purpose-built A340-500 aircraft, configured to carry 240 passengers, with 12 in diamond zone (first class), 28 in pearl (business) and 200 in coral (economy).
“This is one of our most exciting launches to-date, because Sydney is one of the world’s most iconic and strategic destinations. Our customers can now fly between Europe and Australia, via Abu Dhabi whilst enjoying our state-of-the-art in-flight product,” said Hogan.
On arrival at Kingsford Smith airport in Sydney, the VIP delegation and passengers onboard the inaugural Etihad flight will be greeted by a special performance by Aboriginal dancers and music from the Sydney Youth Orchestra.
Etihad will also be hosting a cocktail reception at the prestigious ‘Wildfire’ venue, which overlooks Sydney’s world famous harbour, with unique “Abu Dhabi meets Australia” themed cuisine and entertainment.
Further events including a VIP dinner will be held during the week to celebrate the new route.
Etihad flight EY450 will initially operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday departing Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10.10am, arriving Sydney International Airport at 6.15am the following day.
The return service EY451 departs Sydney each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 3.20pm, arriving Abu Dhabi 00:10am, the following day. All times are local.
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