Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has chosen Thailand, as its hub for South-east Asia as oppose to other regional options including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Services were introduced earlier this year with four flights per week from Abu Dhabi, the airlines home base.
Mr. Kirk Albrow, Area Manager, Thailand said, “Etihad Airways is the national airline fo the United Arab Emirates and is backed by the government of UAE. Based in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, the airline now offers flights to London, Munich and Geneva in Europe, Amman, Beirut, Columbo and Damascus. Via Bangkok, Etihad Airways is planning to expand routs in Asia to other destinations in the region.”
“The government of Thailand has been very positive in supporting the introduction of Etihad Airways in agreeing and ‘open skies’ policy with the U.A.E.” said Albrow. “Both governments share the objective of strengthening bi-lateral relationships, encouraging joint commercial activities and increasing tourism into Thailand and the U.A.E.
And since the first flight, there has been a major increase in the number of guests, flying on the Bangkok route. With load factors exceeding 90%, Etihad Airways plans to increase services to daily flights later this year.
Mr. Albrow continues, “Etihad Airways is a new airline focused on doing things differently- reinventing the w ay an airline works. The emphasis is very much on customer service and satisfaction. We refer to passengers as ‘guest’ and have three ‘guest zones’ – Diamond, Pearl and Coral – rather than classes and these do not correspond directly to the traditional first, business and economy. Each zone provides a premium service, with quality and personal attention being the common factor. The ‘fusion cuisine’, in-flight menus, reflect the best dishes of the destinations we serve. They are infused with the unique signature flavors and cooking styles of these regions. We have a product that is evolving as we research our guest’s expectations to ensure we deliver an all encompassing airline experience, delivering service levels of the highest quality”.
“Diamond and Pearl guests enjoy a free limousine transfer service anywhere in the U.A.E Coral zone guests can avail themselves of free luxury coach services to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and AL Ain”.
Moving forward, Etihad Airways will expand its route network across all continents to destinations such as Cairo, Mumbai and Johannesburg and also serve the Indian sub-continent and other European locations. With Bangkok as the Etihad Airways hub in Asia, routes under consideration include Manila, Jakarta and Kualu Lumpur.
