Left to right: UAE Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba; Master of Ceremonies, Jennifer Newsom; and President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan

Etihad Airways hosted a cocktail reception at the San Francisco City Hall to celebrate the launch of its daily service between San Francisco and Abu Dhabi. 

The event brought together over 300 guests from across the business, travel trade, government and diplomatic community, as well as members of the media.

Upon arrival at the San Francisco City Hall red carpet, guests were welcomed by traditional Arabian Ayala dancers and Etihad Airways’ cabin crew who offered guests Arabic coffee and dates.

The evening began with a champagne reception and canapé service, while guests had the opportunity to experience Etihad Airways’ soon to be launched The Residence by Etihad, the only three-room suite in the sky, as well as the airline’s new First and Business Class products which will be introduced on its A380 and B787 aircraft. The Savoy Academy-trained Butler was also present at the event.

Guests also enjoyed performances from the popular Italian operatic pop trio, II Volo and Jazz singer, Ddendyl.

Guest of honour at the cocktail reception was the UAE Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, who welcomed the launch of Etihad Airways’ new services between San Francisco (SFO) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer thanked HE Yousef Al Otaiba for his support during the airline’s launch of services to San Francisco and also spoke of the airline’s strong relationship with the United States.

Mr Hogan said: “We are delighted to add San Francisco to our global network, which becomes Etihad Airways’ fifth destination in the US after New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles. The new service is another step forward in the strong and extensive relationship between the UAE and the US.”

Hogan also revealed that for the sixth year in a row, Etihad Airways has been awarded the coveted title of “World’s Leading Airline” at this year’s World Travel Awards. In addition to winning the title of ‘World’s Leading Airline’, Etihad Airways scooped up a further two awards: ‘World’s Leading First Class’ and ‘World’s Leading Cabin Crew’.

In other news, the carrier recently revealed its much anticipated new uniforms, paving the way for a new age of glamorous and sophisticated flying.

Created by Italian Haute Couturier Ettore Bilotta at his atelier in Milan, the new uniform exudes a classic elegance seldom seen in the aisles of modern airliners, and cleverly merges dramatic elements of old world haute couture from 1960s Paris and Rome, with the more contemporary fashions evident on the runways of London, New York, Milan and Tokyo.

The beautiful collection possesses a style which has come to characterise the Etihad Airways brand and which will enhance the airline’s reputation as the standard-bearer of superlative customer service.