ETIHAD to launch flights to Beijing
December 14 2007
From 30 March 2008, UK travellers will be able to fly to the Chinese capital of Beijing on a new service that will be launched by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. Flights will operate from London Heathrow and Manchester airports, connecting through the airline's hub in Abu Dhabi.
The four flights a week service will be Etihad's first destination in China and marks a new chapter in the airline's history as it enters one of the world's fastest growing air travel markets.
Beijing will be Etihad's eighth destination in its rapidly expanding flight network in the Asia-Pacific region which already includes services to Brisbane, Sydney, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said: "Beijing has established itself as one of the world's fastest growing and most popular destinations and we anticipate tremendous demand for this new Etihad service from customers across our global network."
"There is a huge appetite from business and leisure travellers for flights to Beijing, especially ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games"
Etihad's flights to Beijing will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with EY888 departing from Abu Dhabi at 11.45pm and arriving in the Chinese capital at 11.30am the next day.
Return flight EY889 departs from Beijing every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7.10pm arriving in Abu Dhabi at 00.20am the next day.
The flight times connect conveniently with Etihad's services from London and Manchester. Etihad Airways currently operates morning, afternoon and evening services from London Heathrow Airport and a daily service from Manchester Airport.
Mr Hogan added: "Etihad is committed to offering its customers living outside the UAE convenient connections to our most popular destinations. The flight times for our new Beijing services mean that customers can fly with Etihad from Heathrow, with only an hour stop-over in Abu Dhabi, before flying on to the Chinese capital."
Etihad will operate a two class Airbus A330-200 configured to carry 262 passengers with 22 in business class and 240 in economy class between Abu Dhabi and Beijing.
Cargo services to Beijing are also expected to be highly popular with the A330-200 aircraft able to carry 11 tonnes of cargo with full passenger load.
For tickets and reservations, call 0870 241 7121. For further details, visit www.etihadairways.com.
Visit Etihad, Stand 407
Etihad Airways UK Press Office:
Email: etihad@fourcommunications.com
Tel: +44 (0) 870 626 3151