Etihad Commences Operations to Maldives and Seychelles
Etihad Airways plans to expand its horizon with the launch of flight operations to two of the most popular holiday destinations in Indian Ocean. Etihad commenced flight services to Maldives and the Seychelles on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
With the move, Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier hopes to tap on the extreme popularity of the two island destinations in the UAE as well as in Europe. Maldives and the Seychelles are the leading Indian Ocean holiday destinations that are known to cater honeymooners, families and adventurers. However, it has to be said that both these stunning vacation spots are far from being cheap destinations. But with Etihad jumping in the fray and the competition among airlines getting a little intense, it can be said that at least cheap flight tickets will be up for grabs for those who plan early.
Etihad’s First Flight to Maldives
Etihad Airways’ maiden flight to Maldives landed at the Malé International Airport on Tuesday at around 2:15 pm. Etihad flight EY278 was greeted with a water cannon salute, bodu-beru dancers, coconuts and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Etihad will offer a daily return service from Abu Dhabi to Malé. The airline will employ Airbus A320 on the route and will provide two-class configuration to the travellers. 1,904 seats will be available on the route every week, offering plenty of options for cheap flight ticket seekers as well as upper class travellers.
Etihad Airways’ CEO James Hogan said: “This is a very exciting day for Etihad Airways and we are thrilled to add another new destination, particularly one that is so important to the leisure traveller.”
“We expect the services will appeal to UAE leisure travellers, as well as customers from our major European markets, particularly with the strong connectivity options on offer and following the additional frequencies that will come online on a number of our key European routes this summer,” he was quoted by different news websites.
Etihad flights will depart from Abu Dhabi at 9:20am and will arrive at Male at 2:30pm. The return flight will depart from Male at 8:35pm and will land in Abu Dhabi at 12:05 am.
Etihad First Flight to Seychelles
Etihad’s first flight to Seychelles landed at the Seychelles International Airport in Mahé on Wednesday. Traditional water cannon greeted the flight at the airport.
The carrier plans to offer four return services per week from Abu Dhabi to Mahé. Airbus A320 aircraft will serve the route, with two travel classes – Pearl Business and Coral Economy – on offer. More than 1,000 seats per week will be provided to the travellers on the route.
Etihad’s CEO James Hogan said: “The Seychelles has strong and growing appeal as a premium leisure destination, with increasing numbers of GCC residents and European travellers holidaying there.
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