ETIHAD Airways has announced plans to introduce three more destinations to its core international network in 2014. The airline will start daily services to Rome, Italy and Jaipur, India, together with four flights per week to Yerevan, Armenia.
The new routes will join a previously announced daily service to Los Angeles and three flights per week to Dallas, US, plus daily services to Zurich (Switzerland), Perth, Australia and Medina, Saudi Arabia, all of which are scheduled to commence in 2014.
The eight new routes will increase Etihad Airways’ worldwide network to 102 destinations next year.
James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, says: “This is part of a measured and strategic growth plan, which will reinforce the future of the national carrier of the UAE and the vital role it plays in the emergence of Abu Dhabi as a global aviation hub.
“Together with our code-share and equity alliance partners, we have created a virtual network of more than 375 destinations.”
The airline will launch direct flights to Los Angeles on June 1, 2014 and to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas on December 3, 2014, its fifth destination in the US. Other cities include Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. on the Etihad Airways flight network.
Etihad Airways has also added more seats between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne by introducing a Boeing 777-300ER to the route. The larger aircraft offers 328 seats in a three-class configuration – 36 more than the Airbus A340-600 which is currently flying the Abu Dhabi-Melbourne sector.
Etihad Airways’ equity alliance airlines presently include airberlin, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Darwin Airline (subject to regulatory approval), Jet Airways and Virgin Australia.
The 2014 network plan also makes provision for increases in frequency and connectivity on existing routes, with more than 20 per cent growth expected in weekly departures.
To support the next phase of its global network expansion, Etihad Airways will receive 20 aircraft deliveries next year, including the much-awaited arrival of its first 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A380s.
The airline will also receive five Boeing 777-200LRs, one Boeing 777-300ER, three Airbus A320s, three Airbus A321s, four Airbus A330-200s and one Airbus A330 Freighter in 2014.
In total, Etihad Airways has over 220 narrow-body and wide-body aircraft on firm order, plus options and purchase rights for a further 81 aircraft. This includes recent orders for 117 Airbus and 82 Boeing aircraft with a combined list price value of $67 billion. The announcement was made at the 12th edition of the Dubai Air Show that was held in Dubai, UAE from November 8-12, 2013.
Hogan says: “In just 10 years, we have grown from a start-up carrier to a global airline. This order enables us to build upon our achievements, using the next generation of aircraft to support our next generation of development.” The airline has 86 aircraft in operation, with more than 80 aircraft on firm order.
“With ambitious plans to further accelerate our industry-leading growth in the future, the long-term expansion of our fleet is essential. Our future deliveries will allow us to progressively replace existing, less-efficient aircraft, add capacity in existing markets, and launch flights to more destinations, with over 30 new international routes planned by 2020.”