ID :
35537
Sun, 12/14/2008 - 12:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/35537
The shortlink copeid
Etihad chief sees strong performance in 2009
Etihad Airways, one of the fastest growing carriers in the Middle East, is expected to extend its strong performance in 2009 as it is pressing ahead with plans to launch flights to new far destinations, its Chairman has said.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan said new routes in 2009 would include Melbourne, where its famous sport stadium would be rebranded Etihad.
"In 2009, we are looking forward to launching a host of new routes, the first being Melbourne, our third Australian destination in line with the launch, Melbourne's iconic Telstra Dome sports stadium will be rebranded The Etihad Stadium from March 2009," he wrote in the Etihadinflight magazine.
"Overall, we are anticipating another year of growth and success as we endeavour to provide our guests with the finest experience."
Sheikh Ahmed said Etihad had registered strong growth since it was launched nearly five years ago.
He referred to the US$43-billion (Dh158bn) deal signed by the Company in August to purchase up to 205 aircraft, describing it as the "largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history."
He said the launching of two new flight routes to Moscow and Almaty in Kazakhstan, boosting Etihad's network to 49 destinations, would open new horizons of co-operation between the UAE and those countries.
"The launch of our Moscow route marks a major milestone for Etihad Airways, offering an important opportunity to increase trade links between the UAE and one of the world's largest and most prosperous nations," he said.
"Similarly, the launch of our Almaty route will be instrumental in increasing ties between the UAE and Kazakhstan. With its prospering oil and gas sectors, Kazakhstan presents an exciting opportunity to deepen the existing bilateral connections between the two countries as well as the chance to offer increased access to one of the world's leading new centres of foreign investment."
Etihad's US$43bn order announced at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain, includes 45 Boeings and 55 Airbuses as firm orders, with 55 options and 50 purchase rights. With deliveries scheduled between 2011 and 2020, the package will boost the airline's fleet to more than 250 if all aircraft are received.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan said new routes in 2009 would include Melbourne, where its famous sport stadium would be rebranded Etihad.
"In 2009, we are looking forward to launching a host of new routes, the first being Melbourne, our third Australian destination in line with the launch, Melbourne's iconic Telstra Dome sports stadium will be rebranded The Etihad Stadium from March 2009," he wrote in the Etihadinflight magazine.
"Overall, we are anticipating another year of growth and success as we endeavour to provide our guests with the finest experience."
Sheikh Ahmed said Etihad had registered strong growth since it was launched nearly five years ago.
He referred to the US$43-billion (Dh158bn) deal signed by the Company in August to purchase up to 205 aircraft, describing it as the "largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history."
He said the launching of two new flight routes to Moscow and Almaty in Kazakhstan, boosting Etihad's network to 49 destinations, would open new horizons of co-operation between the UAE and those countries.
"The launch of our Moscow route marks a major milestone for Etihad Airways, offering an important opportunity to increase trade links between the UAE and one of the world's largest and most prosperous nations," he said.
"Similarly, the launch of our Almaty route will be instrumental in increasing ties between the UAE and Kazakhstan. With its prospering oil and gas sectors, Kazakhstan presents an exciting opportunity to deepen the existing bilateral connections between the two countries as well as the chance to offer increased access to one of the world's leading new centres of foreign investment."
Etihad's US$43bn order announced at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain, includes 45 Boeings and 55 Airbuses as firm orders, with 55 options and 50 purchase rights. With deliveries scheduled between 2011 and 2020, the package will boost the airline's fleet to more than 250 if all aircraft are received.
