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Tag: Etihad Airways

  • Etihad Airways Engineering Becomes First Middle East MRO to receive Production Approval from EASA

    Etihad Airways Engineering Becomes First Middle East MRO to receive Production Approval from EASA

    Etihad Airways Engineering has become the first organisation in the Middle East to be granted with a Part21G Production Organisation Approval (POA) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

    With the new approval Etihad Airways Engineering is now entitled to manufacture interior parts such as seat covers, carpets, curtains, decals and markings alongside composite and other cabin structures and release them with a EASA Airworthiness Certificate. This will allow installation of these parts onto aircraft registered in Europe or in any country recognising EASA certificates, such as the UAE and many countries in the Gulf.

    Jeff Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Etihad Airways Engineering, said: “We are pleased to offer Etihad Airways, its equity partners and third party customers the flexibility of making cabin parts in-house. It will offer shorter lead times and competitive modification services as a package, in combination with our EASA Part21J Design approvals and the testing labs operated with our partners. We remain focused on developing our maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities as a one-stop-facility while focusing on new platforms and delivering the highest standards of safety and quality.

    The Etihad Airways Engineering team display their Production Organisation Approval certificate. (L-R) Michael Adams, VP MRO Operations; Bernhard Randerath, VP Design, Engineering and Innovation; Jeff Wilkinson, CEO Etihad Engineering; Stephan Keil, Senior Manager Projects

    “I would like to thank the Design, Engineering and Innovation team whose diligence, expertise and close coordination with EASA has helped us in achieving this capability ahead of time.  With the new approval, the company is now able to offer more comprehensive, tailor-made solutions covering a wide range of technical aspects.”

    Etihad Airways Engineering is an AS9110 certified organisation and already holds EASA 145 approval, alongside EASA 21J approval for designing and undertaking minor and major changes and repairs. The company is the Middle East’s leading aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider.

  • Etihad Airways and Norland Celebrate the Graduation of the 2000th Flying Nanny

    Etihad Airways and Norland Celebrate the Graduation of the 2000th Flying Nanny

    Etihad Airways has celebrated the graduation of its 2000th Flying Nanny, continuing its relationship with Norland, the respected UK-based higher education college which specialises in ‘early years’ education. 

    This Norland approved training ensures that Etihad Airways’ highly trained cabin crew members, who transfer to become Flying Nannies, can combine their service and hospitality expertise with an appreciation of the childcare skills required to ensure outstanding service and inflight care for the airline’s younger guests.

    The bespoke training programme, devised by Norland specifically for the Etihad Airways Training Academy, provides cabin crew with the skills to support families on long haul flights.

    Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Guest Experience (right), presents the airline’s 2000th graduating Flying Nanny, Isabel Moya Guzman from Spain (left), with a certificate marking the occasion

    Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Guest Experience, said: “Flying with a young family can be daunting, even for our most experienced guests, and the Flying Nanny role demonstrates our understanding of their needs and our unwavering commitment to making the journey as relaxing, entertaining and comfortable as possible – for both parent and child.”

    Flying Nannies were introduced by Etihad Airways in September 2013, and are onboard to provide an extra pair of hands and to allow parents more personal time while they entertain the children.

    Claire Burgess, Head of Research, Consultancy and Training at Norland, who has been delivering the training at Etihad Airways’ headquarters since the Flying Nanny initiative began, commented: “This milestone reflects how successful the Flying Nanny programme has been for Etihad Airways, and it proves that Norland’s expertise continues to make a positive impact on the passenger experience.”

    In September 2016, the airline introduced a new Flying Nanny Kit as part of a new range of ‘Etihad Explorers’ children’s activity packs, to keep its younger guests occupied while onboard. The kit promotes greater interaction between nanny and child and contains an extensive range of fun items including Origami, games, pom-poms, flight certificates, tools for magic tricks and face-painting, and a ‘Flying Nanny stamp of approval’ which the nanny can use to reward children during their in-flight activities.

  • Etihad Airways Wins 2016 Treasury Of The Year Award

    Etihad Airways Wins 2016 Treasury Of The Year Award

    Etihad Airways has been honoured with the 2016 Treasury of the Year award by Treasury Management International (TMI) for a string of achievements over the past 12 months. The annual TMI Corporate Recognition Awards, held in London, reflect achievements in treasury and finance policy, practice and innovation.

    The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s treasury department was once again recognised for excellence in capital raising and to drive efficiency across the business.

    Ricky Thirion, Group Treasurer at Etihad Aviation Group, pictured left, being presented with the 2016 Treasury of the Year award by Michiel Radder, EMEA Director Sales Management at BNP Paribas

    Etihad Airways was commended for securing landmark funding agreements from the international financial community that raised over US$2.7 billion in the debt capital markets, as well as evolving its treasury systems infrastructure and streamlining processes to improve productivity.

    In 2016, Etihad Airways drove the issuance of a second Etihad Airways Partners bond transaction of US$500m, together with a debut US$1.5 billion five-year Sukuk issuance, the largest ever non-sovereign Sukuk.

    Etihad Airways also implemented leading edge treasury systems technology to drive greater efficiency, and radically reduced the number of suppliers for the bulk of its global transactional banking services to just two following a thorough evaluation of cash management capabilities.

    The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) was chosen as the airline’s Middle East strategic partner and Citi was named Etihad Airways’ international cash management bank affiliate in all other global markets.

    James Hogan, Etihad Aviation Group President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “As we continue to look at ways to enhance cost efficiencies, drive more benefits and improve global leverage for the business, our Group Chief Financial Officer James Rigney and his treasury team led by Ricky Thirion have developed a stronger framework of innovative transactions and processes for the business to remain more competitive.

    “We have evolved from a small airline in 2003 to a world-leading aviation and tourism group today, meaning our treasury needs and challenges have grown significantly with scale and complexity.”

    The treasury team has responsibilities that have extended beyond many group treasury functions. In addition to core treasury activities such as cash, liquidity and risk management, it is responsible for corporate funding and structured finance, insurance, tax, property and infrastructure, payment solutions functions and fraud prevention across the group and in support of the airline’s equity partner airlines.

    Helen Saunders, Editor of Treasury Management International, said: “While many treasury functions can deliver a specific project alongside ‘business as usual’ activities, Etihad Airways has driven change and innovation on multiple fronts, despite having a small treasury team.

    “These included sourcing unsecured debt for members of Etihad’s equity alliance partners. re-engineering its cash and banking structure across 71 countries to support the company’s ambitious growth plans; promoting centralisation and improving controls by establishing strategic banking partners and best in-class cash management structures, automating processes and improving account visibility.”

    Voting for the award was by a TMI-led independent judging panel, based on articles and case studies of the airline’s treasury activities.

  • A year of sustained growth for Etihad Airways in 2016 as it evolves into Etihad Aviation Group

    A year of sustained growth for Etihad Airways in 2016 as it evolves into Etihad Aviation Group

    Etihad Airways carried 18.5 million guests

    Etihad Airways delivered another year of sustained growth in 2016, helped by new aircraft, additional frequencies and the introduction of further world-class products. The airline carried 18.5 million guests during the year, up six per cent on 2015.

    The airline was also part of the evolution of Etihad Aviation Group, a wider aviation and tourism business which now also includes Etihad Airways Engineering; Airline Equity Partners; Etihad Airport Services and Hala Group. The formation of Etihad Aviation Group was announced in May 2016.

    During the year, Etihad Airways operated more than 109,000 scheduled passenger and cargo flights spanning around 446 million kilometres and 112 destinations. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), grew by nine per cent and passenger traffic, measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by eight per cent. The average load factor held steady at 79 per cent.

    Etihad Airways’ fleet of 119 aircraft is one of the youngest and most environmentally-friendly in the industry, with an average age of 6 years. During the year, the airline took delivery of 10 aircraft: three Airbus A380s, five Boeing 787s and two Boeing 777-200 cargo freighters. An additional 12 aircraft are set for delivery in 2017, including nine Boeing 787s, two Airbus A380s and one A330-200 freighter. Etihad holds the strongest credit rating in the aviation industry (A by Fitch), demonstrating the strength of its successful business model which is widely acknowledged by the international financial community.

    James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group (EAG), said: “2016 saw sustained growth in a very tough business environment. This is where Etihad Airways’ superior products and services show their true value and where the strength of the EAG business model comes into effect through its diversity of businesses, cost effective synergies and global spread of risk. Most importantly, in 2016 we were able to introduce our new Group structure, which positions this business for long-term growth and development.”

    Etihad Airways launched Venice in Italy, Rabat in Morocco and Sabiha Gokcen in Turkey as new destinations in 2016. The much-admired Airbus A380 began serving Mumbai and Melbourne, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was deployed on new routes, including Perth, Shanghai, Johannesburg and Dusseldorf.  The airline added a fifth daily flight on the Doha route, an extra daily flight to Cairo and Kozhikode, and increased frequencies to Dammam, Manila and Tehran.

    Etihad Airways carried more than 76 per cent of the total passengers who travelled to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport in 2016. With the addition of the airline’s equity partners that operate flights into the UAE capital, the combined total rises to 86 per cent of passenger traffic at the airport.

    The airline’s codeshare and equity partnerships delivered 5.5 million passengers onto Etihad Airways’ flights, an increase of nine per cent over the five million passengers in 2015.

    The airline launched new codeshare agreements with Avianca Colombia, Avianca Brasil, Kulula, Precision Air and Montenegro Airlines. Etihad Airways’ existing codeshares with airberlin, Alitalia, Brussels Airlines, Flynas, Jet Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, and Virgin Australia were significantly expanded. Etihad Airways also launched new interline agreements with Lufthansa, Pegasus, Malindo and LATAM. As a result, the airline now offers a combined passenger and cargo network of nearly 600 destinations through its 188 interline and 53 codeshare partnerships.

    Etihad Airways’ equity partner network, including airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia and Etihad Regional, represents the seventh largest global grouping of airlines. In 2016, the combined fleet of 705 aircraft carried 126.6 million guests.

    In November, Etihad Airways Engineering dealt with a record breaking week of heavy maintenance at its state-of-the-art facility in Abu Dhabi. Aircraft from six of the seven partner airlines were worked on by the company’s 3,000-strong team.

    During 2016, Etihad Cargo carried 592,700 tonnes, which was flat year-on-year. Etihad Cargo expanded its freighter services to several new markets, including Columbus Rickenbacker, Ohio in the US; East Midlands and London Stansted in the UK; Copenhagen; Brussels; Addis Ababa and Casablanca in Africa; Colombo; Muscat; and Zhengzhou in China. This brings the number of freighter-only destinations to 15.

    Strong growth was achieved within the group’s loyalty businesses with over three million new members joining the Etihad Guest, MilleMiglia (Alitalia), topbonus (airberlin) and JetPrivilege programmes, which now provide benefits to nearly 20 million members.

    The Etihad Aviation Group workforce, as of 31 December, stood at 26,635 employees, representing 150 nationalities. The airline continued to prioritise its Emiratisation programme, and in November, celebrated the graduation of 310 future leaders from the Future Leaders Programmes, a strong indication of the company’s commitment to investing in its people.

    There are currently more than 3,000 Emirati employees – 52 per cent of whom are women, including engineers and pilots.

    Mr Hogan added: “2017 will be another challenging year. We will continue to expand prudently and efficiently, reflecting the nature of the economic environment. We remain optimistic and have every belief that our robust business model will succeed and, most importantly, stand the test of time.”

    2016 was a year of impressive accolades for Etihad Airways – the pinnacle being the Skytrax Certified 5-Star Airline Rating – the most sought after quality status in the airline industry. Etihad was also named the ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards for the eighth consecutive year and collected the coveted Crystal Cabin Award for the Boeing 787 First Class cabin design. During the year, Etihad Guest marked its 10th anniversary and reached 4.7 million members.

  • Etihad Aviation Group announces President and Chief Executive Officer Transition Process

    Etihad Aviation Group announces President and Chief Executive Officer Transition Process

    James Hogan to leave PCEO role in the second half of 2017

    The Etihad Aviation Group Board of Directors today announced that James Hogan will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company in the second half of 2017. The Board and Mr. Hogan first initiated the transition process last year with the formation in May of the Etihad Aviation Group, a diversified global aviation and travel organisation.

    Commenting on Mr. Hogan’s time at Etihad, H.E. Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of the Etihad Aviation Group said: “We are very grateful to James. In just ten years, he has overseen the growth of the company from a 22 plane regional carrier into a 120 aircraft global airline and aviation group, with seven airline equity partnerships which together serve more than 120 million guests every year. It is a business which has set new benchmarks for service and innovation. Under his leadership, the company has provided new opportunities for thousands of Emiratis and has been a critical element in the remarkable progress of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We look forward to James’ continued association with Abu Dhabi in new ways.”

    James Hogan, Etihad Airways President CEO

    James Hogan commented: “Along with the Board and my 26,000 colleagues, I am very proud of what we have built together at Etihad and of the company’s substantial contribution to the UAE and to the development of Abu Dhabi. The last decade has seen incredible results but this only represents a first chapter in the story of Etihad.”

    Commenting on current priorities for the business, H.E. Mazrouei said: “To position the company for continued success in a challenging market, the Board and management team will continue an ongoing, company-wide strategic review. We must ensure that the airline is the right size and the right shape.

    “We must continue to improve cost efficiency, productivity and revenue. We must progress and adjust our airline equity partnerships even as we remain committed to the strategy.”

    Last month, Etihad Airways unveiled plans to create a new European leisure airline group in a joint venture with TUI AG. A new codeshare agreement with Lufthansa and an aircraft leasing agreement between airberlin and Lufthansa were also announced. As a minority shareholder, Etihad is actively participating in the next phase of Alitalia’s restructuring plan.

    H.E. Mazrouei added: “Etihad is a great business with strong fundamentals and a deeply experienced aviation and airline management team. These assets, along with a realigned organisation, provide more agility and added focus as Etihad enters the next phase of its development.”

    Mr. Hogan will join an investment company along with Etihad Aviation Group CFO James Rigney, who will also leave the company later this year.  A global search for a new Group CEO and a new Group CFO is already underway.

    The Group has developed a senior management structure with strength in depth, led by a highly-regarded senior team. This team includes Peter Baumgartner, CEO, and Richard Hill, COO, of Etihad Airways; Bruno Matheu as CEO of Airline Equity Partners; and Jeff Wilkinson as CEO of Etihad Airways Engineering. Darren Peisley is Acting Managing Director of Hala, the company’s destination marketing and global loyalty unit. A further strengthening of the Group structure was announced earlier this month with the creation of Etihad Airport Services led by Managing Director Chris Youlten.

    In addition, the Group Chiefs leading the core corporate functions include Kevin Knight, Strategy and Planning; Ray Gammell, People and Performance; Rob Webb, Technology and Innovation; and Harsh Mohan, Executive Affairs.

  • Etihad Airways introduces third daily flight to Riyadh

    Etihad Airways introduces third daily flight to Riyadh

    Etihad Airways is introducing a third daily flight on the Abu Dhabi – Riyadh route, effective 1 February 2017.

    The extra services underscore the airline’s commitment to offer guests greater choice and more travel options between the capital cities of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The new daily late night departures from both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are timed to allow guests to spend full days in either city. Arrivals into Abu Dhabi International Airport provide guests with more connections to early morning services to Europe, North America and the Indian Subcontinent. These include London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Delhi and Mumbai.

    Together with a Boeing 777 and the recently-introduced Boeing 787 on the route, the new service will increase the number of weekly seats to 10,600 between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Codeshare partner flynas will continue to operate a daily flight on the route.

    Etihad Airways introduces 3rd daily flight to Riyadh

    Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: “Our expanded services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are in line with Etihad Airways’ strategy to offer more choice, greater frequency and additional travel options when aircraft availability and market conditions permit.

    “The extra flights will cater to the strong demand between the two capital cities, and bring closer our global network to Riyadh over our Abu Dhabi hub.”

    Etihad Airways launched scheduled flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with services to Riyadh in 2004, and has steadily grown capacity with additional frequencies and aircraft upgrades to its current double daily operation.

    From February 1, the airline will operate 70 return flights each week to and from four Saudi cities. On the Riyadh route alone, Etihad Airways has flown more than 2.5 million guests since 2004.

    Etihad Airways’ flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam are complemented by Saudi codeshare partner flynas, whose dedicated services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam provide travellers with even more choice.

    Daily flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, effective 1 February 2017.

  • Etihad Aviation Group to forge new links with Europe’s Largest Airline Group

    Etihad Aviation Group to forge new links with Europe’s Largest Airline Group

    Etihad Airways and Lufthansa German Airlines agree on codeshare flights

    Lufthansa to lease 38 aircraft from airberlin for its point-to-point carrier Eurowings and its network carrier Austrian Airlines

    Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates and Lufthansa German Airlines, part of Europe’s largest airline group, today announced the conclusion of a codeshare agreement. The arrangement is set to start in January 2017, subject to government approval.

    The wet-lease agreement between Lufthansa Group and airberlin – in which Etihad Aviation Group indirectly holds a 29 per cent stake – was also announced today. Lufthansa’s point-to-point carrier Eurowings and Austrian Airlines, a Lufthansa Group airline, have signed an agreement to wet lease 38 aircraft from airberlin. 33 of these aircraft are to be operated for the Eurowings Group, an additional five aircraft are to be flown for Austrian Airlines. The agreement has a term of six years and becomes effective from February 2017 subject to any regulatory requirements. The leases have been agreed at competitive rates.

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    Under the codeshare agreement, the German airline will place its ‘LH’ code on Etihad Airways’ twice daily non-stop flights between its home base of Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt and its twice daily non-stop services between Abu Dhabi and Munich, the biggest city in southern Germany.

    The UAE’s national airline will, in turn, put its ‘EY’ code on Lufthansa’s long-haul, non-stop intercontinental services between its home base of Frankfurt, the business and commercial capital of Germany, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well as Bogota, Colombia.

    James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said:

    “We have long seen Germany as a key strategic market for Etihad Aviation Group and this new relationship with Lufthansa marks the next step in our commitment to the leading European aviation group.

    “Lufthansa is highly respected globally and I’m very pleased that we will work together in the future for the benefit of our customers.

    “Additionally, we are, in our role as a minority shareholder in airberlin, fully supportive of the separate agreement reached today with the Lufthansa Group to wet lease 38 airberlin aircraft.

    “It is very clear to us at Etihad Airways that Lufthansa is a like-minded, forward thinking organisation with which we can do strong, meaningful and mutually beneficial business.”

    Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Lufthansa Group, said:

    “We are looking forward to partnering with the Etihad Aviation Group. The wet-lease contract with airberlin fosters the growth of our Eurowings Group. The codeshare agreement of Lufthansa and Etihad will offer our customers more benefits and complement both airlines’ networks. We will consider extending our cooperation in other areas.”

  • Etihad Airways extends reach in Africa through New Codeshare Agreement with Kulula.Com

    Etihad Airways extends reach in Africa through New Codeshare Agreement with Kulula.Com

    Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), continues to build its presence in Africa through a new codeshare agreement with kulula, South Africa’s award-winning low cost carrier.

    The codeshare deal offers Etihad Airways customers flight options to a number of key cities in South Africa that include Cape Town, Durban, George and East London via Johannesburg.

    Etihad Airways will place its EY code on kulula’s scheduled flights between Johannesburg and these popular coastal cities. This agreement allows guests access to through-check-in and baggage transfer to their final destination.

    Toyin Alaran, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Uganda (L) presents the Uganda Golf Union President, Johnson Omolo (R) with a cheque worth Shs36 million for this year’s Uganda Golf Open. Looking on are Uganda Golf Union Captain, Dr. Anthony G. Kerali (2nd L) and Vice Captain, Faiz Alar
    Toyin Alaran, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Uganda (L)

    The new codeshare services will go on sale from 3 October 2016, with travel from the start of the Northern Winter schedule on 30 October.

    The agreement with kulula strengthens Etihad Airways’ commitment to Africa and brings the total number of destinations that it serves across the continent to 23 through its existing codeshare partnerships with Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and strategic equity partner Air Seychelles.

    Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “kulula is an innovative and award-winning airline and this new codeshare agreement demonstrates Etihad Airways’ growing ambitions to strengthen our operations across Africa. Through the agreement, kulula will give inbound passengers direct access from Johannesburg to four key destinations along South Africa’s renowned coastline, and I am certain the extended reach offered through this partnership will appeal to business and leisure travellers alike.”

    Erik Venter, Chief Executive Officer of kulula’s parent company, Comair, said: “We are delighted to be adding Etihad Airways to our growing list of strategic airline partnerships and are excited about exploring additional opportunities to expand on the relationship. We look forward to welcoming Etihad Airways’ customers on board our flights.”

    Etihad Airways currently operates scheduled services to 10 destinations in Africa, namely Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Khartoum, Casablanca, Rabat, Lagos, Cairo and Mahé in the Seychelles.

  • Etihad Airways Wins TTG Asia’s Best Business Class Award

    Etihad Airways Wins TTG Asia’s Best Business Class Award

    Etihad Airways has been named ‘Best Airline – Business Class’ at the TTG Travel Awards for the second consecutive year. 

    The prestigious award is voted for by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTGassociations, TTG-BTmice China and TTG Asia Luxury.

    Etihad Airways’ Vice President Australia and Asia, Lindsay White, accepted the award on the airline’s behalf at the 27th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2016 Ceremony and Gala Dinner held in Bangkok.

    Mr White said the award reflects the strength of the airline’s partnerships with the travel trade and validated Etihad Airways’ investment in its Business Class guest experience.

    ttg-asia-awards_best-business-class-2016

    “Being voted ‘Best Airline – Business Class’ for the second consecutive year is testament to the tremendous support we receive from the travel industry throughout Asia Pacific.

    “Our partners are critical to our success and we are delighted to offer a world-class product and hospitality experience which they are proud to sell.

    “We have invested significantly in our Business Class product and service to offer our guests unprecedented levels of comfort, style and hospitality every day, on every flight.

    “The ground-breaking Business Studios on our fleet of A380s and B787 Dreamliners, in particular, have redefined premium air travel, setting a new benchmark for business class travel worldwide.”

    Etihad Airways’ Business Class guests enjoy fully flat beds with direct aisle access on every wide-body aircraft. Dedicated Food and Beverage Managers, handpicked from some of the world’s best establishments, oversee an extensive a la carte and ‘Dine Anytime’ menu. On ultra-long-haul flights, the airline offers a full turndown service, amenity kits, cotton loungewear and slippers.

    On the ground, guests have access to luxurious airport lounges and limousine services at selected locations worldwide. The Premium Lounge at the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi features a Six Senses Spa and Style & Shave by Etihad facility, both offering a comprehensive range of personal care and well being treatments.

    The TTG Travel Awards have been recognising the best of the Asia Pacific’s travel industry since 1989. This prestigious annual event honours organisations and individuals in four categories – Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement and Travel Hall of Fame.

    The ‘Best Airline – Business Class’ award is determined against several performance criteria: providing the best product and service, schedules and network; agent friendliness in terms of reservations, confirmations and commission; and the professionalism of the airline’s sales and marketing team.

    Etihad Airways offers the Asia Pacific travel trade a range of educational, sales support and reward and recognition programmes. These include a dedicated travel trade portal, a rewards-based incentive programme called ‘SuperSeller’, travel agent familiarisation trips and other localised trade marketing programmes.

  • Etihad Airways supports The Uganda Golf Open

    Etihad Airways supports The Uganda Golf Open

    Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has today unveiled its UGX.36 million sponsorship of the annual Uganda Pro-Am Golf Open tournament that is scheduled to take place at the Uganda Golf Club in Kampala in August and September 2016.

    Now in its 82nd year, this competition is expected to attract over 500 of the best amateur and professional golfers in Uganda and from across the East African region – for two four-day tournaments that include the Amateur Open, taking place between 10 and 13 August, and the Professional Open taking place between 31 August and 3 September.

    Toyin Alaran, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Uganda (L) presents the Uganda Golf Union President, Johnson Omolo (R) with a cheque worth Shs36 million for this year’s Uganda Golf Open. Looking on are Uganda Golf Union Captain, Dr. Anthony G. Kerali (2nd L) and Vice Captain, Faiz Alar
    Toyin Alaran, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Uganda (L) presents the Uganda Golf Union President, Johnson Omolo (R) with a cheque worth Shs36 million for this year’s Uganda Golf Open. Looking on are Uganda Golf Union Captain, Dr. Anthony G. Kerali (2nd L) and Vice Captain, Faiz Alar

    The sponsorship package includes two return business class tickets to Abu Dhabi for the overall winners of each competition and comes complete with three-night’s complimentary accommodation at one of the leading hotels in the UAE’s capital. Ensuring an unforgettable experience, the two winners will also get the opportunity to play at one of city’s championship-standard golf courses.

    Toyin Alaran, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Uganda, said: Golf is a growing market in the travel industry and we are extremely proud to support the Uganda Pro-Am Golf Open, one of the continents leading golf tournaments. This is our first high profile sports sponsorship in Uganda since we launched our services in 2015, and underscores our commitment to this important market.

    Johnson Omolo, President of the Uganda Golf Union, said: “We are delighted with this sponsorship from Etihad Airways.  Any golfer playing in the main event has a chance of a lifetime visit to Abu Dhabi where we they will have the opportunity of testing their skills on some of the Middle East’s most challenging golf courses.”

    Sports sponsorship plays a central role in Etihad Airway’s global marketing strategy. Etihad Airways is the Official Airline of the Ladies European Tour in 2016, Europe’s leading women’s professional golf tour. The airline is also a Diamond Sponsor and the Official Airline for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, one of the largest golfing tournaments in the Middle East.