Airline celebrates a decade operating out of city

ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has marked the 10th anniversary of its services to Manchester Airport.

Since the route was launched in 2006, Etihad Airways has operated more than 10,000 flights between Manchester and Abu Dhabi.

Due to its popularity in the North of England, the frequency increased to twice daily in August 2011.
 
Upwards of two million travellers have flown between Manchester and Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways in the past decade.

James Harrison, UK general manager for Etihad Airways, said: “We’ve seen passenger numbers continually rise every year since we started operations, and Manchester is a key destination on our global network. It has an important role in our UK operation and has been a consistent success, regularly appearing in our top 10 most popular destinations.
 
“In addition to the aircraft, we have made a huge investment in our brand through the sponsorship of Manchester City FC. Our European call centre is also based at Manchester Airport and houses more than 200 staff.”

The route has also supported growth in cargo with above 30,000 tonnes of export cargo and more than 40,000 tonnes of import cargo being carried during the last three years.

Cargo items have included vehicles and animals such as cats, dogs, falcons and ferrets. The airline has also carried instruments used for medical purposes, blood samples and urgent pharmaceuticals for patient use.

Ken O’Toole, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “I’d like to congratulate Etihad Airways on their 10 years of operation from Manchester Airport.

“Their double daily service to Abu Dhabi is hugely popular with the 23 million people in our catchment area thanks to their renowned onboard product and the extensive connections Etihad offers to regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. We hope they continue to grow as Manchester Airport does over the next 10 years.”