Etihad Airways reported its highest ever daily passenger figures during the first three days of 2008, carrying nearly 19,000 passengers each day, with average seat factors of 88 per cent across its network.
The best performing routes included some of Etihad’s recently launched destinations such as Singapore, Brisbane and Sydney which were 96 per cent full during this period.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said, “There is always strong demand for flights during the festive season, but the first few days of the new year have been phenomenal and follow a very strong end to 2007.
“Once again we are seeing the growing importance of Abu Dhabi as a major global hub, with Etihad connecting record numbers of customers from all corners of the world.”
Top performing destinations in the Middle East and Africa included Johannesburg, Damascus and Amman which achieved seat factors of 92 per cent, 77 per cent and 79 per cent respectively.
Flights to Dublin, Brussels and Manchester enjoyed seat factors above 90 per cent, while New York flew at 89 per cent full and Toronto 87 per cent full.
Etihad Airways will increase flights between Abu Dhabi and Dublin to a daily service from March 31, 2008.
[+ blob]The airline has recently introduced a new fleet of luxury limousines for diamond first and pearl business class customers using the airline’s chauffeur service. Since its launch in 2005 Etihad Chauffeur has established itself as one of the airline’s most popular ground services with more than 12,000 customers using the service every month in the UAE.
The new fleet of limousines will operate initially to Dubai and the Northern Emirates as from January and across the whole of the UAE by February. Diamond first class customers will have a luxury Cadillac DTS (DeVille touring sedan) and an executive Caprice Classic for pearl business class customers.
The luxury service is now available to Etihad’s premium customers in several of Etihad’s key global destinations including London Heathrow, Manchester, New York, Munich, Frankfurt and Sydney, with many more to be added throughout 2008.