Bangkok--7 Sep--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 45 destinations around the globe, helped launch its new three flights a week service to Milan by staging a glamorous Italian fashion show and reception at Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel. World famous Italian designer Ettore Bilotta, who designed the uniforms worn by Etihad Airways’ 2,400 cabin crew, exhibited his new range for winter 2007 at the fashion show which was followed by a performance from the Three Waiters opera group. The glitzy event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Paolo Dionisi, members of the UAE’s Italian business community and senior Etihad Airways management. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “There has been tremendous excitement surrounding the start of Etihad’s new Milan service, so what better way to mark this momentous occasion than to stage an Italian fashion show here in our home-base of Abu Dhabi. “Events like this illustrate the growing demand for Italian culture in the UAE and we look forward to welcoming more Italian leisure and business travellers aboard Etihad Airways’ new flights between Abu Dhabi and Milan.” Milan is Etihad’s eighth European destination and the new flights are set to boost the growing cultural and commercial ties between the Italian fashion and industrial capital and Abu Dhabi. HE Paolo Dionisi said: “Etihad Airways’ new flights to Milan will enhance further the strong relations that exist between Italy and the UAE. We look forward to build closer ties in many sectors including business, tourism and investment.” A high-level delegation from several of Abu Dhabi’s leading organisations, including Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Aldar, will join Etihad on its ceremonial flight to Milan this weekend. The Abu Dhabi delegation will host a reception at Milan’s world-famous Castello Sforzesco Palace before attending the Formula 1 Italian grand prix in Monza which will also feature the Etihad and Aldar-sponsored Spyker racing team. Photo caption: 1. Etihad uses a different type of runway to celebrate the launch of its new Abu Dhabi-Milan flights. Guests at the high-level reception were treated to a fashion show by renowned Italian designer Ettore Bilotta. 2. (Left to right) Etihad Airways’ chief executive James Hogan, TV presenter Joyce Bousader and Italian Ambassador to the UAE, HE Paulo Dionisi with Etihad cabin crew Notes: Etihad flight EY081 operates every Sunday, Monday and Friday. It departs from Abu Dhabi at 2.25am and arrives in Milan at 7.05am. The return service, EY088, departs from Milan on the same day at 12.45pm and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 8.55pm. All times 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 45 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]