Etihad expands Frequency from Sydney

[Kurt A]

Etihad Airways has announced an expanded frequency from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, adding further competition on routes to Europe.

Chief executive James Hogan was in Sydney this morning to confirm the move. It’s believed the carrier will operate a further four flights per week from Sydney, taking its total weekly services to 11. Etihad has previously flagged its desire to fly double daily on the Sydney-Abu Dhabi route (Travel Today, May 4, 2007).

Hogan was joined by New South Wales tourism minister Matt Brown for the announcement. The expanded frequency will being further competition – and much needed additional capacity – to Australia and offer more alternatives for travellers heading to the UK and Europe. Emirates is also ramping up capacity.

Etihad commenced three-times weekly services from Sydney in March last year, before moving to a daily service. Three-times weekly flights from Brisbane commenced last September. Loads on the Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights have been consistently strong, particularly business and first class sales.

Etihad is also believed to be examining a further port in Australia.

-travelweekly