Bangkok--11 May--Star PR
Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, celebrated its second anniversary in Thailand with the launch of a new, purposely designed, Boeing 777 to operate between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi.
The airline started its service to Bangkok in April 2004 with four flights per week and increased to daily services in late 2005. Etihad, twice awarded the world’s leading new airline, will operate 10 flights a week to Abu Dhabi from May this year with double daily operations starting in June. This will provide 23,000 seats per month, both into and out of Bangkok.
Kirk Albrow, Regional General Manager, said: “At the beginning of our operations in Thailand, we made a concerted effort to build our brand image and raise the awareness of our exciting new airline. With our team's experience and talent we have grown from four to ten flights per week. Our success is due to the hard work and dedication of a strong and successful team in Thailand and our focus is to ensure that our guests enjoy the highest degree of comfort and service.”
Kirk Albrow also established offices in Manila, Jakarta and China during the last two years and, as a result of this achievement in the Asia Pacific region, Mr. Albrow has been assigned further responsibility to look after Europe and America.
Etihad Airways has appointed Charles Phelps-Penry, formerly responsible for South Asia, as Regional General Manager Asia Pacific. The expanded region stretches from India and Pakistan to Japan and Australia/New Zealand. This includes the recently opened routes to Manila, Jakarta, Dhaka, Islamabad, Peshawar and Lahore with increased frequencies on existing operations across the region.
Mr. Phelps-Penry said, “In just two years, Etihad Airways has grown through innovation and the world-class service provided to both our guests from Thailand and across our expanding network of destinations. We believe the Bangkok route will continue to grow, attracting greater numbers of business and leisure travelers to Thailand from the UAE, Europe and elsewhere in our extensive network.”
Mr. Phelps-Penry joined Etihad Airways in August 2004 and was responsible for launching Etihad’s operations in South Asia, leading the growth of business across the fast growing region. He previously spent sixteen years with leading airlines in a variety of positions and countries in the Middle East, Africa, Korea, China, Indonesia as well as Italy.
Etihad has taken delivery of five new purpose-built Boeing 777 aircraft. In addition to Bangkok, these aircraft are scheduled to operate on many of the airline’s routes including London (Gatwick), Beirut, Cairo, Johannesburg and Riyadh.
The new aircraft feature exciting and unique products emphasizing Etihad’s ambitious plans to offer its guests the very best in style and hospitality. This includes broadband, high speed, wireless internet access, in both the Coral and Pearl zones. The aircraft has a total capacity of 378 seats, 350 in the Coral Zone and 28 in the Pearl Zone.
“In just over two years Etihad Airways’ flair for innovation and world-class service has transformed the world’s airline industry. The arrival of the Boeing 777 aircraft continues this drive towards providing guests with the most advanced entertainment and business facilities in the air,” said H.E Dr Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Guests can send or receive email, including those with large attachments using the advanced ‘Connexions by Boeing’ system. They will be able to browse the internet in exactly the same way they would at home, and also securely access company intranet and business applications.
The Etihad Airways, Boeing 777, Pearl Zone offers the first, 180 degree, full flat business bed - and the Coral Zone seating features a spacious environment with cradle type seats and interactive entertainment to each guest. There is also an extensive and imaginative menu prepared by award-winning chefs who have been chosen for their natural expertise in international cuisines.
Etihad was recently presented with the PAX International “Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier” award which recognised the Abu Dhabi based airline’s world class cuisine.
The mood lighting in all sections of the Boeing 777 has been designed especially to create specific ambiences in the aircraft cabin, conducive to relaxation or business. It also helps the mental and physical wellbeing of guests, especially on long haul flights.
21st century air travel demands the most sophisticated audio and video facilities, and the systems in place on the Boeing 777 are second-to-none. Guests will be able to access 30 movies, 16 hours of TV programming, 24 hours audio programming, 25 audio CD’s, and 26 Interactive Games.
Photo caption:
1) Etihad Airways new purpose-built Boeing 777-300ER aircraft which is in operation on the Abu Dhabi to Bangkok route
2) (From left to right) Mr.Kirk Albrow, Regional General Manager Europe and Americas, Mr.Chotisak Asapaviriya, President of Airports Of Thailand (AOT), H.E. Mr. Salim Issa Ali Al Kattam Al Zaabi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and Mr.Charles Phelps-Penry, Regional General Manager Asia Pacific celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Etihad operation in Thailand
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and will now offer flights for Guests and cargo to 30 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo — www.crystalcargo.ae — offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options to 69 destinations across 23 countries. Packages include skiing, fly-drives, cruises and tours.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com
For further information please contact:
Kesama Trairattananusorn and Pannawat Khlongnakrob
Star PR Co., Ltd.
Tel: 662 653 5055
Mob: 661 345 8440
E-mail: [email protected] or
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