Etihad to start double daily service from Manchester
08-Mar-2011 Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will double its flight frequency between Manchester and Abu Dhabi from seven to 14 flights per week from August 1, 2011.
This updates an earlier Etihad announcement that the August 1 increase would be from daily services to 10 flights a week.
The increase in frequencies from Abu Dhabi to Manchester will also improve connectivity from the airline's three Australian destinations and will offer Australians improved schedules and more choice when travelling to the English city. Effective August 1, 2011, Etihad along with partner V Australia will offer increased seamless connectivity from Sydney to Manchester moving from seven to 14 connections per week. Connectivity from Melbourne to Manchester will increase from four to seven flights per week, and connectivity from Brisbane to Manchester will increase from two to three connections per week.
The increase in flights extends Etihad's commitment to Manchester and the North West region of England which includes the opening of a First and Business Class Lounge at Manchester Airport in November 2010.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: "Etihad's Manchester service has been a key part of our network for five years and we are very excited to announce we will soon offer 14 flights each week to Abu Dhabi.
"The frequency increase illustrates how Etihad has firmly established itself in the North West of England and that we are now the airline of choice for business and leisure travellers, whether flying to Abu Dhabi from the region or enroute to and from destinations such as Australia, Thailand and Japan."
Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, said: "Following the increase in flights and the opening of the premium lounge in Terminal 1 at the end of last year, Etihad has again shown their commitment to the North of England by increasing the frequency of the service.
"We know it's something that our passengers require and the announcement demonstrates the important links we have to the Middle East and the onward connections available from Abu Dhabi. It also underlines the continuing strength of Manchester to the major global carriers and our network of long-haul flights."