ETIHAD BUILDS ON BANGALORE SERVICE

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to increase its frequency to Bangalore following the success of its services to Karnataka’s capital city, moving from its current four return flights to a daily service from March 25, 2011.

Neerja Bhatia, Etihad Airways’ Country Manager in India, said “This latest increase in our Indian flying is indicative of the huge confidence we have in this important market.”

Etihad Airways provides a complimentary chauffeur service for its premium class passengers flying in and out of Bangalore Airport using Mercedes E series cars. This service also operates in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Etihad operates a two class Airbus A320 to Bangalore, configured to carry 136 passengers, with 16 in business class and 120 in economy class.

Etihad started its operations at the beginning of 2011. It currently operates four flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Bangalore. The additional three flights will enable the airline to operate a daily service at the commencement of the summer scheduling season effective March 25, 2011.