Bangkok--3 Jul--Total Quality PR 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 44 destinations around the globe, will start a three flights-a-week service in September to the Australian city of Brisbane from Abu Dhabi. Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland which is home to the world-famous Gold Coast, will be Etihad’s second destination in Australia following the highly successful Sydney route which started in March. The Brisbane flights, which will operate via Singapore, will provide business and leisure travellers from the Middle East with a frequent service to Australia’s third biggest city. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Since the launch of our Abu Dhabi to Sydney service, we have been eager to expand our Australia operations even further and Brisbane is the ideal destination to add to our flight network.” “Our customers will be able to travel from Abu Dhabi, with a one hour stop in Singapore, to Brisbane which is the gateway to Queensland and the Gold Coast.” Australia is one of the most popular holiday destinations for UAE nationals with more than 23,000 Emiratis visiting the country in 2006, a seven-fold increase from 1996. Nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can also apply for a two year tourist visa which allows multiple entries to Australia, perfect for annual family visits. Mr Hogan added: “I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support and co-operation from the Department of Transport and Regional Services and also the help from government, airport and tourism authorities in Queensland to secure our growth in the Australian market.” Margaret Keech, Queensland’s minister for tourism, said: “Australia’s cultural diversity ensures that it is an ideal holiday and business destination for visitors from the Middle East. Furthermore not only is Brisbane the perfect launch point for visiting Queensland’s spectacular coastline and countryside, it is also one of the world’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.” John Mickel, minister for state development in Queensland, said “Queensland remains the powerhouse Australian state for entrepreneurial opportunities, growth and tourism, and this new service will give business and tourist passengers a one stop flight to the powerhouse Middle East state of the United Arab Emirates.” “With seating capacity limited between the Middle East, Europe and Australia the Brisbane flights will be well accepted by travellers, Etihad’s decision also fits with the Queensland Government's plans for the state to become the aviation hub for the South East Asia region.” Etihad will operate a two cabin Airbus A330-200 between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in business class and 240 in economy. 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 44 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. 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 / Ruthaiwan Tanwongwan 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