Bangkok--25 Jan--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, is to increase its flying programme to Dublin following the soaring success of its services to Ireland’s capital city. The airline will boost flights from Abu Dhabi to Dublin on 30 March 2008, moving from six flights a week to a daily service. Etihad launched the hugely popular Dublin flights in July 2007, initially with four flights a week increasing to six in December. More than 44,000 passengers have flown on the Abu Dhabi-Dublin route since its launch with an average seat factor of more than 80 per cent seat with 73 per cent capacity in business class. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Dublin has been one of Etihad’s most successful launches since the airline began in 2003 especially with customers flying onwards from Abu Dhabi to our destinations in the Far East such as Bangkok and Sydney. “It is great news that we can now provide a daily operation to the Irish capital which has become such a key service for business and leisure travellers travelling between the UAE and Ireland.” Etihad recently revealed its best ever passenger figures for 2007, a huge 67 per cent rise on the previous year with the airline carrying more than 4.6 million passengers during 2007 compared to 2.8 million in 2006. During the 12 month period, the airline achieved seat factors averaging 69 per cent across its network of 45 destinations, it’s highest ever achievement. Etihad operates a three cabin A330-200 to Dublin, configured to carry 225 passengers and offering the airline’s award-winning first and business class flatbed seat. Customers can also enjoy Etihad’s in-flight dining which won the Middle East award for "outstanding food service by a carrier" at the Pax international readership awards 2007.