Etihad Airways has celebrated the start of its daily service to one of Asia’s leading business and leisure destinations, Hong Kong.

To mark the increased frequency, the carrier’s flight to Hong Kong International Airport was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute this morning, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior officials from Etihad Airways and Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Guests on-board the flight were presented with commemorative certificates in English and Cantonese, featuring the emblem of Hong Kong, the bauhinia flower.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways president said: “Demand for travel into and out of Greater China has never been stronger.

“The introduction of a daily frequency to Hong Kong, along with our popular services to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai, will ensure that business and leisure travellers benefit from convenient timings and connections to suit their needs.

“Our guests travelling from Hong Kong and nearby southern China are now connected to more than 30 destinations across the Gulf region, Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America over Abu Dhabi.

“In addition, we offer guests travelling to Hong Kong onward connections to a number of destinations across Asia through our codeshare partnerships.”

Etihad Airways’ daily Hong Kong flights are operated using a two-class Airbus A330 aircraft, offering a total of 3,620 seats per week between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.

Codeshare partners on the route include airberlin, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, NIKI and Hong Kong Airlines.

The increased frequency on Etihad Airways’ Hong Kong service supports trade relations and creates economic benefits by generating revenue, creating jobs and attracting investment.

It also enhances import and export activities, especially as Hong Kong is the world’s largest cargo hub.