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Etihad have confirmed that their 3 class Airbus A340-600 will operate this service. Nice for Melb to see the A340.
Melbourne welcomes another international airline, with the announcement today that Etihad Airways will operate scheduled services to Melbourne Airport.
The daily non-stop services to commence in March 2009 will fly direct between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, enhancing the strong business and tourism links between Victoria and the United Arab Emirates.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said the Etihad announcement was a major win for Victoria.
“The important role direct international air services provide to Melbourne and Victoria cannot be understated,” said Mr Woodruff.
“Total passenger movements between Victoria and the United Arab Emirates reached over 37,000 from March 2007-March 2008, a 20% increase on the previous year,” he said.
“Etihad’s service to Abu Dhabi and beyond will provide increased direct access to European markets such as Dublin, Geneva and Munich. 23% of our total passenger traffic is to and from European destinations so these new routes are good news for Melbourne.”
Mr Woodruff also highlighted the important trade opportunities these new flights would provide.
“The Middle East is one of Victoria’s fastest growing export markets and Etihad’s services will enable this relationship to be further developed.”
The new services will provide greater airline competition for Victorian travellers with direct flights to Abu Dhabi and onwards to Etihad’s 45 destinations worldwide in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The daily non-stop services to commence in March 2009 will fly direct between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, enhancing the strong business and tourism links between Victoria and the United Arab Emirates.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said the Etihad announcement was a major win for Victoria.
“The important role direct international air services provide to Melbourne and Victoria cannot be understated,” said Mr Woodruff.
“Total passenger movements between Victoria and the United Arab Emirates reached over 37,000 from March 2007-March 2008, a 20% increase on the previous year,” he said.
“Etihad’s service to Abu Dhabi and beyond will provide increased direct access to European markets such as Dublin, Geneva and Munich. 23% of our total passenger traffic is to and from European destinations so these new routes are good news for Melbourne.”
Mr Woodruff also highlighted the important trade opportunities these new flights would provide.
“The Middle East is one of Victoria’s fastest growing export markets and Etihad’s services will enable this relationship to be further developed.”
The new services will provide greater airline competition for Victorian travellers with direct flights to Abu Dhabi and onwards to Etihad’s 45 destinations worldwide in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.