Bangkok--11 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, will increase from 1 October its Abu Dhabi to Manila service from four flights-a-week to daily flight. The Manila flights, launched in February 2006, have been hugely successful with customers from the UAE’s 200,000-strong Filipino community, as well as leisure travellers visiting the Philippines on holiday. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Demand regularly outstrips supply on the Abu Dhabi to Manila service, especially in the economy cabin which averages 90 per cent capacity, and therefore it is vital for the airline and our customers that we were able to increase the number of flights.” In addition to the new daily flights, Etihad has also signed a code share agreement with Philippine Airlines. The deal will enable Etihad’s customers to book and travel seamlessly from Abu Dhabi to Manila connecting on to other cities on the Philippines Airlines’ network such as Cebu and Davao. Etihad operates a two-cabin Boeing 777-300ER on the Abu Dhabi-Manila route, which is configured to carry 378 passengers, with 350 in economy class and 28 in business class. The new daily Etihad schedule will increase the number of seats available on the route 1,512 seats each week to 2,646. Mr Hogan added: “As well as providing a key service for Filipinos working in the Middle East, the new daily flights will also have a significant impact on global customers visiting the Philippines on business.” 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]