ETIHAD management meets GCC media in Abu Dhabi

Hareb Al-Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ appointed Head of Corporate Communications, has held briefing sessions with GCC media in the United Arab Emirates  in order to brief journalists about the airline’s latest developments, strategic plans and future growth. The meeting was also attended by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority officials, and ADNEC prior to Summer in Abu Dhabi press conference.

Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ head of corporate communication, said: “Etihad Airways is delighted to be participating in the “Summer in Abu Dhabi” festival which will continue to attract visitors from across the region to the UAE’s capital city. Abu Dhabi has established itself as a leading global capital at an impressive rate and Etihad Airways is proud to once again play a key role in this development.”

During the media gathering, Mr Al-Muhairy outlined the airline’s latest developments and growth strategy, whilst also discussing the new routes which have been launched this year to Melbourne, Almaty, Istanbul, Larnaca and most recently Athens, the airline’s 53rd destination which has been added to its expanding global flight network. In addition, Al-Muhairy gave details on the carrier’s plans to launch its route to Chicago in September and outlined details on its expanding fleet which will reach 52 aircraft this year and is expected grow to 65 by 2012.

He also provided details on the successful opening of the new headquarters and Etihad’s new passenger Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport enhancing the carrier’s ground services, which are supported by new facilities including a spa, a cigar bar, special meeting rooms and dedicated services for children.

Etihad recently unveiled its first class cabins which include individual suites designed to provide the highest levels of privacy and comfort with more space for storage. The cabin is characterized by the first-class seat, which can be extended to become a wide and full flat bed of 80.5 inches in length. It is also enhanced by the self-massaged unit, as well as the supporting back and head pads that can be adjusted for more comfort.

There are also other power sockets for computers and mobile devices, such as iPod and other electronic devices, along with the other usual features of the business class cabin.

In order to provide better air services, Etihad has also announced it has implemented a new position in the cabins, with Food and Beverage Managers overseeing the quality of what is provided to travellers. The team members have joined the airline after having worked for many years in the hospitality sector in luxury five-star brands. The team will work to provide the highest quality standards of food on board flights, Mr Al-Muhairy said.

As for the ground services, passengers of first and business class from Abu Dhabi International Airport can use of the concierge service, which includes the free limousine service from the kerbside to the first and business class check-in area.