Bangkok--13 Jun--Total Quality PR (Thailand) On Etihad Airways, The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, which operates highly popular twice daily flights from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi and onwards to 42 destinations around the globe, passengers can now fly non-stop from Abu Dhabi to both Brussels and Toronto following the airline’s decision to spilt the three times-a-week joint flight. The Abu Dhabi to Toronto, via Brussels, service has been one of Etihad’s most popular routes since its launch in October 2005, with aircraft seat sales averaging more than 80 per cent. Furthermore, in order to strengthen its global network of flights Etihad will increase to daily the frequency of both destinations once it has gained the necessary government approvals. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “In order to compete with the world’s best airlines it is vital that Etihad offers non-stop flights to the world’s top destinations.” “These new non-stop services from Abu Dhabi to Brussels and Toronto support Etihad’s pledge to provide our customers with a frequent and comprehensive international network of flights.” A delegation of senior Etihad management, including James Hogan, Wayne Pearce, EVP strategy and planning, and Khaled Al Mehairbi, VP government and international affairs, travelled to Toronto on the inaugural non-stop flight. The delegation will be attending the World Air Transport Summit and the IATA (International Air Transport Association) annual general meeting in Vancouver from 3 to 5 June.Notes: Etihad will fly from Abu Dhabi to Brussels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Flight EY055 departs from Abu Dhabi at 1.35pm and arrives at 6.45pm. The return flight, EY056, departs from Brussels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10.10pm arriving in Abu Dhabi at 6.55am. Etihad will fly from Abu Dhabi to Toronto every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flight EY141 departs from Abu Dhabi at 2.05am and arrives at 8.40am. Flight EY140 departs from Toronto every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10.20am arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7.45am. All flights are local.About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 42 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: Tel: 02 253 0099 or visit www.etihadairways.com For more information as well as pictures, please contact: Tom Van Blarcom / Malarat Chartvivatpornchai Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd Tel. 02 260 5820 Fax 02 260 5847 — 8 E-mail : [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net