Etihad to expand services in India
By IANSFriday, February 4, 2011
Abu Dhabi, Feb 4 (IANS/WAM) Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has decided to expand its services in India to tap the huge opportunity offered by the Indian aviation sector.
A delegation led by Etihad Chief Executive James Hogan Thursday arrived in New Delhi to meet key civil aviation officials and trade partners.
Hogan met Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi and other authorities to discuss growth opportunities in the Indian aviation market.
He said: “India is the largest market we serve, with eight destinations. The scope of our Indian operation today reflects the historic ties between the UAE and India, and is also indicative of the great potential for the region and our confidence in its future growth.”
“We see enormous opportunity to expand and diversify our services in light of the unique mix of traffic and both countries’ growing position as world-class business and holiday destinations,” he said.
“We appreciate the support of the Indian government and our positive partnership with Indian civil aviation authorities.”
With the addition of the airline’s newly launched operations to Bangalore, Etihad now flies to eight Indian destinations including New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad and Kochi, with 49 flights to India per week.
The airline will also host a cocktail reception for trade partners and corporate guests at a hotel in Delhi. The event will be attended by Bollywood actress and Etihad brand ambassador, Katrina Kaif.
–IANS/WAM
