Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched its inaugural flight to the Philippines’ capital Manila, continuing its…
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched its inaugural flight to the Philippines’ capital Manila, continuing its tremendous growth into 2006.
Senior Filipino dignitaries and Etihad Airways executives attended a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Abu Dhabi International Airport to celebrate the launch of the new Manila route.
Commenting on the new development, Geert Boven, Etihad Airways vice president – commercial, said, “The UAE and the Philippines have enjoyed a tremendous bilateral relationship for many years, and this new Etihad service enables the close bond to develop even further. Guests will be offered a frequent and flexible service, giving business and leisure travellers the opportunity to relax and enjoy Etihad’s hospitality.”
The new destination follows Etihad Airways’ ambitious plans to link Abu Dhabi to the world’s most important commercial and cultural centres, and will provide a major service to the 200,000 Filipino nationals based in the UAE, as well as the thousands of other nationalities in demand of air service to that market.
The Manila route, which will operate every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, is just one of several new international destinations for the Abu Dhabi-based luxury carrier in 2006.
“The Philippines route is a vital commercial and travel route. As well as enabling Filipino families to visit one another, the new route also opens up new travel opportunities for many of the UAE and Gulf residents who wish to visit some of the beautiful Filipino islands,” concluded Boven.
There is already extensive trade between the two nations, with the Philippines looking to increase its major exports including electrical machinery, clothing and timber products.
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