The strategic investment of Etihad Airways into Jet Airways is delivering strong results for both airlines across areas including network growth, revenue enhancement and operational and cost improvements.
Since Etihad Airways’ 24 per cent investment in Jet Airways was finalised in November 2013, the two airlines have increased the number of direct routes between India and Abu Dhabi from nine to 15, introduced wide-bodied aircraft on key routes, and increased to multiple daily flights in some markets. The airlines now offer a combined total of 40,000 seats each way, each week between India and Abu Dhabi, resulting in more choice and better connectivity.
Jet Airways’ chairman Naresh Goyal says: “Our strategic collaboration with Etihad Airways includes network integration, joint sales effort, sharing of resources, collaborated procurement and knowledge transfer. All of these have enabled us to leverage cost advantages and economies of scale to the eventual benefit of our guests, as well as our employees.”
“Together with Etihad Airways, we now operate over 4,300 international flights a month, more flights to/from India than any other airline and provide our guests with an unparalleled global and domestic network, with perhaps the best and most convenient connectivity.”
In terms of the combined network, Jet Airways now has its 9W code on Etihad Airways flights to 33 destinations across the world, while Etihad Airways now places its EY code on 60 Jet Airways routes, mostly within India. The airlines have also aligned their schedules between Abu Dhabi and India to improve flight connectivity between their networks, substantially increasing choice for passengers on both airlines.
Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive James Hogan says: “Before our equity deal with Jet Airways, we had two per cent of the international traffic out of India. Today, with Jet Airways, we have 21 per cent of the market, and combined, we are the dominant carriers out of India.
“Jet Airways is now our number one equity partner for revenue and passenger contribution on Etihad Airways. India is now Abu Dhabi’s number one source market for international visitors.”
He adds that the first year of the partnership has delivered significant benefits for Jet Airways, for consumers, and for the Indian economy.
“Jet Airways is a perfect partner for us. It is a strong, recognisable brand in India, has an established network and infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a large customer base.
“Etihad Airways is an active investor and a strategic partner. We provided fresh capital and financial stability for Jet Airways, assisted global network growth, increased flight connectivity, and delivered efficiencies through activities including joint procurement and resource sharing.”
In the first six months of 2015 Etihad Airways transferred more than 235,000 guests onto Jet Airways’ network into India through its codeshare partnership, with Jet Airways providing 182,000 guests onto the Etihad Airways network. The improved Jet Airways performance followed a number of other key strategic moves that had been taken, including the airline’s return to being a single brand with a full service offering, the standardisation of its Boeing 737-800 fleet and a refreshing and reconfiguring of cabins on its Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft. ***********************************************************************************************************************************
Revamped premium lounge opens in Abu Dhabi
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Etihad’s renovated Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal 1 |
Etihad Airways has officially reopened its newly refurbished First and Business Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal 1.
The upgraded facility measures an impressive 1,044 square metres with seating for 134 guests and boasts stylish design elements inspired by the airline’s new branding and image.
Open 24 hours a day, the new Terminal 1 Premium Lounge offers a range of facilities catering to the diverse needs of today’s business and leisure travellers. As with the lounge in Terminal 3, the upgraded facility includes comfortable armchairs, a dedicated dining area, state-of-the-art business amenities, complimentary wi-fi connectivity, USB power outlets, bathrooms with shower facilities, and a playroom for children.
Lounge guests will also be treated to Etihad Airways signature food and beverage service with a choice of restaurant-style dining and a sumptuous buffet complemented by an extensive selection of beverages. The renowned Six Senses Spa at the lounge has been completely refurbished.