Etihad launches Zurich-Abu Dhabi route

MANILA, Philippines - The launch of non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Zurich by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will bring greater choice for travelers and strengthen Switzerland as a European air transport hub.

The new service, launched on June 1, 2014, adds to Etihad Airways’ existing schedule of daily flights between Geneva and Abu Dhabi.

 Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, James Hogan, said: “This year we celebrate 10 years of operation in Switzerland, which continues to be an increasingly important travel market for Etihad Airways and a significant trading partner with the UAE.

“Our new Zurich daily service means Swiss business and leisure travelers have greater access to the UAE and important markets in Australia, Asia Pacific, the Gulf region, Middle East, Africa and Indian Sub-Continent.

“Etihad Airways’ presence in Switzerland contributes to a resilient aviation sector in Switzerland, bringing the benefits of competition and convenience to travellers,” Mr Hogan said.

The airline’s Zurich and Geneva services are operated by an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a total of 231 seats in a three-class configuration: eight First Class, 32 Business Class and 191 Economy Class.

From Zurich, Etihad Airways now provides travelers with 25 international connections to Australia, Asia Pacific, the Gulf region, Indian Sub-Continent via its hub in Abu Dhabi.

In conjunction with its network partners - Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia – Etihad Airways is now able to provide connectivity from Zurich and Geneva to 44 destinations beyond its hub in Abu Dhabi.