Etihad Airways Set to Expand in South America

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• Publié par: etihad-airways
• Nombre de lectures: 15
• Langue: English

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Etihad Airways Set to Expand in South America

PR Newswire ABU DHABI, UAE, September 19, 2012

ABU DHABI, UAE,September 19, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- Etihad Airways is keen to expand its footprint inSouth America, said President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan. Mr Hogan said that the airline is currently in discussions with South American- based carriers about potential commercial partnerships. Etihad Airways currently has 38 codeshare partnerships with airlines around the globe, resulting in a combined network of 323 destinations, more than any other Middle Eastern airline. Beyond its own organic growth, codeshare partnerships and equity stakes are a significant and growing part of the airline's expansion strategy. Etihad Airways holds a 30 per cent stake of airberlin, 40 per cent of Air Seychelles, 3 per cent of Aer Lingus and 10 per cent of Virgin Australia. The airline will launch its first route inSouth AmericaonJune 1, 2013, with daily non-stop flights between Sao Paulo,Braziland its home base ofAbu Dhabi, the capitol of theUnited Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways' service will also provide seamless connections fromBrazilto the airline's global network, offering connectivity overAbu Dhabito markets in the Gulf Co-operation Council, the Indian Subcontinent andAsia. Mr Hogan spoke of the significance of the new route, in particular the economic impact. "Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, now ranking as the sixth largest since overtaking the UK in 2011. Bi-lateral trade betweenBrazil and the UAE is valued at nearlyUS$3 billionannually, with authorities aiming to lift this toUS$10 billionwithin five years. "There are 25 major Brazilian companies with offices inAbu Dhabi. Mubadala, the development company of the Government ofAbu Dhabi, last year signalled its intent to begin investments inBrazil, valued at up toUS$13 billion. "According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce,Braziltrade volumes with the Arab world grew by 28 per cent in 2011 to reachUS$25 billion. This is forecasted to grow by a further 10-15% this year. "In addition to supporting the growing ties betweenBraziland theMiddle East, this new route complements Etihad Airways' recent expansion inNorth Asia, including the recent introduction of services toChengduandShanghaiand the upcoming increase to dailyTokyoservices with connections toNagoyafrom April 2013. "With some of the fastest connecting flight times to China andJapan,Brazil's largest and fifth largest trade partner, respectively, Etihad Airways is providing vital air links between the world's major emerging markets." Mr Hogan was inSao Paulolate last week to meet prominent local diplomats, travel industry executives, media and corporate representatives. About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways, the national airline of theUnited Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu DhabiInternational Airport, Etihad Airways serves 86 passenger and cargo

destinations in theMiddle East,Africa,Europe,AustraliaandNorth Americaand Asia, including Japan flights. The airline has a fleet of 67 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus. For more information, please visit: http://www.etihad.com. For more information contact: Kelsey Paquin Etihad Airways Corporate Communications Etihad Airways P.O. Box 35566 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates [phone] http://www.etihadairways.com