Etihad Airways today Thursday 28th February passed a major milestone after flying the one millionth passenger on its Abu Dhabi to Dublin route.
Etihad Airways launched its services to Ireland in July 2007 with an initial four flights a week, increasing to six and then moving to a daily service in March 2008, this grew to 10 flights per week in March 2010 using Airbus A330-200s, Dublin has frequently featured in its top 10 most popular routes.
The one million passenger landmark comes as Etihad Airways is set to boost capacity in the Irish market with the introduction of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on six of its ten weekly return flights from 2nd July and has a wide-ranging code-share agreement with its equity partner, Aer Lingus, which has brought considerable traffic onto both carriers’ flight networks.
The one million passenger, Alacoque O’Connor, from Athlone, Co. Roscommon was randomly chosen from flight EY42 which departed this morning from Dublin to Abu Dhabi. For the distinction of being the one million passenger Mrs. O’Connor was presented with an amazing prize by Dave Walsh, Etihad Airways’ General Manager – Ireland. The prizes includes two Pearl Business class return flights and four nights accommodation in Abu Dhabi, corporate hospitality tickets to the Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship final, two tickets to a Manchester City game at the Etihad Stadium and two tickets to see Harlequins rugby club play at the Stoop.
Etihad Airways President & CEO James Hogan said “Etihad Airways has a great affinity with Ireland and the Irish market and we’re delighted to achieve this milestone in less than six years of operations from Dublin.
We continue to make cultural, sporting and employment investments in Ireland and the deployment of the Boeing 777-300ER from this summer demonstrates that we are keen to invest further.
These investments are testament to the endearing and growing support of the Irish people which has seen Etihad Airways named Best Long Haul Airline at the 2013 Irish Travel Industry Awards, an award the airline’s won for the last three years.”
Etihad Airways’ Ireland investments include its line maintenance facility at Dublin Airport, the opening of a premium lounge at Terminal 2 in 2011.
The airline has also established strong cultural partnerships with the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), and The Gathering Ireland 2013.
During The Gathering Ireland 2013 Etihad Airways will carry hurling teams from the Arabian Gulf, Asia and Australia to Ireland to take part in the International Hurling Festival.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 28th February 2013 All Rights Reserved.
