Bangkok--11 Oct--Star PR
Etihad Airways has achieved another milestone with the arrival of its twentieth aircraft, making Etihad now one of the youngest commercial airline fleets in the world.
The latest addition is the 3-Zone Airbus A340-500 which arrived in Abu Dhabi late on Friday night with Geert W. Boven, Etihad’s Acting CEO, on board having flown directly from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France.
“Once again Etihad is proud to be leading the aviation industry with the introduction of our advanced fleet of aircraft. Each aircraft has been designed and built to our unique specifications which will ensure our Guests are always afforded our superior standards of hospitality and comfort. This latest arrival means that 80 per cent of our fleet is brand new,” said Mr Boven.
Etihad made history in 2004 when it placed an order for US$8billion for 29 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the largest order for a new airline. Among the aircraft to have arrived in Abu Dhabi so far are ten A330-200s, which form the back-bone of the fleet, and five Boeing 777-300 ERs.
The most exciting addition to the fleet is expected in 2008 when Etihad takes delivery of four of the double-decker A380-800s, which can carry 555 Guests in a 3-Zone configuration.
Etihad will operate the A340-500 on its new daily service between Abu Dhabi and New York, which is launched on 26 October. New York is the Abu Dhabi based airline’s 35th Guest destination, ensuring Etihad maintains its position as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, linking destinations in the east and the west.
The Diamond Zone seat on the A340-500 sets new industry benchmarks as it can rotate 180 degrees, enabling Guests to hold meetings, dine and converse with one another in the Zone’s luxurious surroundings.
“Each Zone on board the new A340-500 offers Guests the very highest levels of comfort. With our new advanced fleet and product, it is unsurprising that Etihad has twice been awarded the prestigious title of being the world’s leading new airline,” continued Boven.
The A340-500 is configured with two aisles and can carry 240 Guests, with 12 in Diamond, 28 in Pearl and 200 in Coral Zone.
Photo caption:
1) Etihad Airways new Airbus A340-500 at Abu Dhabi International Airport
2) Etihad Airways’ A340-500 revolving Diamond seat
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and currently offers flights for Guests and cargo to more than 40 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 in 82 destinations including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
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.ae .
About Etihad Guest
Etihad Guest launched globally on August 30 to cater to the world’s growing number of service-conscious airline customers.
The pioneering loyalty programme offers its members a flexible range of features and “payment” options, whether using purely miles or a cash contribution, immediate redemption potential, a wide range of non-flight partners and the chance to earn miles on reward flights through cash contributions.
Etihad Bangkok Office
18th Floor, M Thai Tower,
All Seasons Place,
87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel. 0 253-0099
Fax. 0 253-2100
For further media information, please contact
Kesama Trairattananusorn
Star PR Co.,Ltd.
Tel: 02-653-5055 Fax 02-653-5117
E-mail: [email protected]
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