Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) hosted the official launch event welcoming the Ukraine International Airlines’ new direct service from the Ukraininan capital Kiev to the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The aircraft was greeted with a Water Canon Salute as the presentation flight from Kiev Borispol International Airport (KBP) arrived at 13:10 at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The guests were then checked in through the Golden Glass Service and escorted to the launch ceremony held in the Al Dar Lounge.

The new service using a Boeing 737 offers twice weekly flights which are scheduled to depart from Kiev Monday and Friday at 14:20, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 20:30 and departing the following morning, Tuesday and Saturday, at 01:55 to arrive back in Kiev at 06:45. The flight takes an average of five and a half hours offering both business and economy class seating and tickets start from approximately AED 1,200 one way.

The operation is timed to allow easy transfer for passengers onto the world wide network of onward services offered from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and will support the growing business links between the Ukraine and the UAE. Recently the Ukraine and UAE Business Council was established to facilitate trade and economic relations between the two nations, realising the scope of the commercial business opportunities available.

President of Ukraine International Airlines, Yuri Miroshnikov, commented: “The new route to Abu Dhabi has been eagerly anticipated by business customers wishing to take advantage of the convenient new direct service, as well as leisure travelers looking to Abu Dhabi for a unique tourism destination.”

Ahmed Al Haddabi, Senior Vice President of Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Airport Operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ukraine International Airlines in this cofficial launch ceremony. Its new route to Kiev expands the portfolio of European destinations serviced directly from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and consequently the range of destinations we offer to our community.

“Business and leisure travelers to and from the Ukraine can now take advantage of the fast and efficient transfer facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport, whilst the new route offers a chance for the two destinations to promote their unique and diverse tourism propositions to a new market.”

“At Terminal 1, Ukraine International Airlines’ passengers will find the quick transfer times efficient and seamless to Etihad Airways and other airlines. We continue to increase connectivity and the range and breadth of services we offer our customers from further afield”.