AS Etihad Airways begins services to New York, the UAE’s national airline has unveiled some of the most exciting promotions ever seen with the launch of a new route.

The innovative offers include children under the age of 12 flying for free (when travelling with an adult in Coral zone) and 50 percent discount on a return Pearl zone seat when buying a second ticket.
“There is a great deal of anticipation ahead of the New York launch, which is why Etihad has announced these unprecedented offers. We want all of our Guests (or passengers) to be able to celebrate this impressive milestone with us,” said the airline’s Geert W Boven. “Etihad is renowned not only for affording our Guests the very best in-flight experience, but also the most competitive prices and best promotions available.” Members of the airline’s new loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, can earn up to 150 percent bonus miles on the New York route in first class, 100 per cent bonus miles in business and a bonus of 50 per cent more miles in economy or Coral class.
New York is Etihad’s 35th worldwide and second North American destination after Toronto. The A340-500 is configured with two aisles and can carry 240 Guests in a three-class configuration.

AWARDS
Etihad has received top marks after undertaking the world-renowned International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), the only recognised global airline standard to examine a variety of operational and safety disciplines
Etihad’s business bed recently won the World Travel Award for being the world’s leading flat-bed seat at the annual ceremony in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The airline was also named the world’s leading new airline for the third consecutive year.

HOLIDAY DEALS
Etihad Holidays, has launched its winter 2006/ 07 outbound brochure offering many exciting breaks, which include safaris in South Africa, sight seeing in New York and favourites such as London and Thailand.
Current Middle East holiday trends demonstrate residents are increasingly using the warm winter climate to visit destinations that are further afield such as Africa and South-East Asia.
A sample package is flights and three nights’ stay in Johannesburg, at the four-star Hilton Sandton Hotels, will cost as little as Dh4,065 ($1,107) per person.
The lead-in price for the airline’s seven-day fly-drive deal to New York starts from Dh3,895, and a five night break at the central Thirty Thirty Hotel starts from Dh6,120 per person. In Thailand, three nights at the Zenith Hotel, with flights and transfers, costs from as little as Dh1,925 per person.
The airline also offers deals to Europe and several packages are tailor-made for Muslim visitors with halal food.