Eithad ups capacity on Manchester to Abu Dhabi service
ETIHAD Airways has announced plans to increase capacity by 60% on its Manchester to Abu Dhabi route.
Etihad operates seven return services a week between Manchester and Abu Dhabi. From June, the airline will be upgrading its current two-class A330-200 aircraft to a two-class B777-300, increasing capacity by an additional 2,100 seats a week on the route.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s chief commercial officer, said: “Our services to Manchester have been performing very strongly, with load factors of close to 80% in 2009.
“The business and investment ties between Manchester and Abu Dhabi have never been stronger and the introduction of the B777 furthers our commitment to this important route.”
Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airport’s managing director, said the extra capacity provides an early sign of the predicted economic recovery.
He added: “Etihad’s service provides a crucial link between our two closely-linked regions and Etihad’s decision to add capacity demonstrates real confidence in this vital relationship.”
Etihad has been operating services to Manchester since 2006. Last year, the airline signed a three-year deal to be the official shirt sponsor and partner of Manchester City Football Club.
