Etihad Airways is adding yet another U.S. destination to its network of international flights!
The national airline of the United Arab Emirates today launched its daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
Los Angeles is Etihad Airways’ fourth U.S. destination, joining Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. The growing popularity and emergence of Middle East airlines has domestic airlines concerned over the ultra-competitive, and lucrative, trans-Atlantic market.
In fact, Etihad will add a fifth city – Dallas/Fort Worth – in December.
“Los Angeles is an iconic city and one of the world’s premier travel destinations, and we are delighted that today it becomes part of the Etihad Airways global network,” James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. ““The greater Los Angeles area has a diverse population of more than 18 million people, the second largest in the U.S., who can now access direct flights to Abu Dhabi and beyond into the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.”
Apparently, the Abu Dhabi service is said to be popular with customers who are looking to travel to India – Etihad services 10 destinations in the country – as well as those visiting Armenia; Iran, the UAE, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other countries across the Gulf region.
Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director at Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement: “We are thrilled Etihad Airways chose LAX, gateway to the world, for this new, historic service and warmly congratulate them on their inauguration.”
The aircraft initially serving the new LAX to AUH route is a three-cabin, long-range Airbus 340-500 which can accommodate 240 passengers with 12 First Class suites, 28 Business Class flatbed seats, and 200 Economy Class seats.
In mid-July, that service will transition to a three-cabin, long-range Boeing 777-200 LR which will be configured with 237 seats, including eight First Class suites, 40 Business Class flatbed seats, and 189 Economy Class seats.
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