Etihad to go double-daily from August

ETIHAD, the Middle East airline, has revised upwards its planned increase in service from Manchester.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier, was planning to move from seven to 10 flights a week from August 1, but now says that from this date, it will go double-daily.

Last November Etihad, which sponsors Manchester City FC, opened a first and business class lounge at Manchester.

Chief executive James Hogan said: “Etihad’s Manchester service has been a key part of our network for five years and we are very excited to announce that we will soon offer 14 flights each week to Abu Dhabi.

“The frequency increase illustrates how Etihad has firmly established itself in the North West of England and that we are now the airline of choice for business and leisure travellers, whether flying to Abu Dhabi or transferring through to destinations in the east, such as Australia, Thailand and Japan.”

Andrew Harrison, managing director of Manchester Airport added: “Following the increase in flights and the opening of the premium lounge in Terminal 1 at the end of last year, Etihad has again shown their commitment to the North of England by increasing the frequency of the service.

“We know it’s something that our passengers require and the announcement demonstrates the important links we have to the Middle East and the onward connections available from Abu Dhabi. It also underlines the continuing strength of Manchester to the major global carriers and our network of long-haul flights.”