India continues to be a crucial part of Etihad Airway’s growth strategy contributing significantly to the airline’s global operations, to job creation and to connectivity for India.
Addressing a conference in Mumbai to mark the launch of Etihad’s daily A380 service to Mumbai, Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, pointed out that the airline had stimulated competition, created thousands of jobs, helped drive inbound tourism, and connected India to the world. He said, “Bringing our flagship product to India is further proof of its significance as a market, and more importantly, our committmnt to the country’s economy. Hwe importance of Indian partner Jet Airways and the contribution of the Etihad-Jet partnership to the Indian aviation industry also can’t be underestimated.”
“Jet Airways is a key partner that gives us the combined strength and enhanced competitive adge to provide what demanding consumers want today – greater choice, more travel options, better products and a superioi travel experience,” he added.
The 496-seat aircraft features innovative products including ‘The Residence’, a three-room suite comprising a living room, shower and bedroom among its four-class products.
Baumgartner further stated, With the aircraft upgrade, Etihad is able to offer an all-A380 daily service in both directions between Mumbai and New York JFK International with seamless connection over Abu Dhabi, along with the unique USA customs border protection which enables guests to pre-clear US customs at Abu Dhabi International Airport and arrive in the US as domestic passengers. The service is operated as a sodeshare flight with Jet Airways.”
During 2015, 3.3 million guests were carried between India and Abu Dhabi on the combined networks. The two carriers have the largest international market share of any airline carrying 21 per cent travellers to and from India.
