Etihad Airways` Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, anticipated the return of business travel over the coming year, in a CEO Exchange at the 2010 NBTA Conference and Exposition.
 
"The signs of recovery are there, with most of our markets - particularly Asia and the Middle East - showing clear signs of improvement across all cabins," Mr Hogan said.
 
Addressing more than 3,000 business travel professionals at what is one of the world`s largest travel forums, Mr Hogan outlined the challenges Etihad had faced as one of the world`s youngest but fastest growing airlines.
 
"What we have focused on getting right is our service ethos, with the customer at the core of everything we do. That, along with our investment in what we believe is the best product in the world, have enabled us to build our brand and our reputation quickly and strongly."
 
Mr Hogan outlined the major projects underway in Abu Dhabi, including attractions under development such as the Louvre and Guggenheim, which ensure Abu Dhabi is on map for American travelers in the business, leisure, conventions and incentives sector.
 
Etihad Airways operates daily flights to both New York and Chicago. Etihad has a codeshare agreement with American Airlines (AA) to operate codeshared services to a number of cities across the USA including, Washington DC, Los Angeles and Houston.