Etihad Airways is celebrating five years of its non-stop services between Paris and Abu Dhabi.

The airline commenced operations to the French capital in May 2006, and since then has carried more than 770,000 travellers and nearly 51,500 tons of cargo on the route.

Pictured: James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive at Etihad’s reception in Paris marking five years of operation

The Abu Dhabi-Paris route has enjoyed average passenger loads of 75 per cent over its first five years and has grown to 77 per cent so far in 2011.

The amount of cargo carried has tripled since the start of operations to France, from 5,000 tons to 15,000 tons annually.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive, said: “Our Paris operation has exceeded our expectations over the past five years, and we are pleased to be able to build on this success with the additional frequency we put in place in July this year, going double-daily.

“This year we will carry 200,000 travellers on the Abu Dhabi-Paris route, up 16 per cent from 173,000 in 2010. 

“By April 2012, we expect to have carried one million travellers overall on the route since its inception.

“A logical step for us is to open a signature Etihad premium lounge at Charles de Gaulle airport, and I’m delighted to announce that we have started planning this.”

Etihad operates a three-cabin Airbus A330 and a three-cabin Airbus A340 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Paris. 

The state-of-the-art aircraft used on the Abu Dhabi–Paris sector ensure Etihad guests enjoy the in-flight comfort and operational reliability of one of the world’s youngest fleets.

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates was recognised by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Airline in 2010 for the second year in succession.