Bangkok--8 Nov--Total Quality PR
Etihad Airways’ first flight to Mal? touched down yesterday to a colourful welcome in the capital of the Republic of the Maldives.
Etihad Airways flight EY278 was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute and the 146 passengers were welcomed with a performance on the tarmac by local Bodu beru (big drum) dancers and singers.
Forward bookings for the daily Airbus A320 service indicate the route is already becoming one of the most popular in the airline’s global network.
“This is a very exciting day for Etihad Airways and we are thrilled to add another new destination, particularly one that is so important to the leisure traveller,” Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, said.
“We look forward to developing strong ties between the UAE and the Maldives and take our responsibility to bring more people to this part of the world very seriously.
“It is such a highly desirable destination for our customers, not only from Abu Dhabi but also from Europe,” Mr Hogan said.
Etihad Airways’ schedule offers an attractive afternoon arrival and evening departure.
The Maldives is made up of approximately 1,200 islands grouped into natural atolls; including 200 inhabited islands and 97 resort islands, with a population of close to 300,000 people. The region features deep blue seas, sandy beaches and turquoise reefs, and with its tropical climate and warm temperatures year round, is a renowned honeymoon and leisure destination.
Simon Hawkins, managing director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation said: “On the behalf of our tourism industry, the business community and the whole domestic population we are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways to the Maldives.
“As the world’s premium island beach destination, we are highly dependent on the connectivity from the international airlines. To have a premium airline providing such a high frequency and quality of service as Etihad Airways is tremendously important for us.
“At a time when the Maldives is recording its highest numbers of visitors and reaching new markets, this is fundamental to our continued economic growth. We very much look forward to a long and healthy partnership with Etihad Airways for many years to come,” Mr Hawkins said.
Etihad Airways commences its schedule of four flights per week from Abu Dhabi to the capital Mal? today.
For more information, please contact:
Choenkwan Thanasanon
Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd
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