Etihad Airways has announced the launch of non-stop daily flights to Washington, DC; make the destination the airline’s fourth destination in North America.

The service will launch on March 31st 2013, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Washington region is home to America’s second largest market flying to the Middle East, after New York. Etihad Airways’ new service will link DC with Abu Dhabi, a vibrant and growing hub for business, culture and tourism.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive, said: “No other UAE carrier is offering non-stop services between DC and the UAE, so this capital-to-capital link is a huge opportunity for Etihad Airways.”

The new service will further strengthen the already strong political and economic ties between the National Capital Region and the UAE.

Last week, the US Department of Commerce released data showing that total trade volume between the US and the UAE rose to $18.3 billion in 2011, a 43 per cent increase from the year before.

This increase represents the highest trade volume to date between the US and UAE.

It also means that, for the third consecutive year, the UAE is the single largest export market for US goods in the Middle East.

The US is the fifth largest trade partner worldwide for the UAE.

Hogan added: “The point-to-point traffic between D.C. and Abu Dhabi is expected to contribute significantly to overall loads on the route.

“The schedule also allows maximum connectivity to key markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.”

The direct flights will be operated by a three class A340-500 aircraft. Each flight will offer 12 Diamond First class, 28 Pearl Business class and 200 Coral Economy seats, for a total 3,360 seats per week.

Dave Walsh will become Etihad Airways country manager Ireland

Ireland Country Manager

Etihad Airways – considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards - also confirmed a new country manager to lead its Irish management team earlier, as the airline continues to build its presence in the Irish market.
             
Dave Walsh will become Etihad Airways country manager Ireland, taking over the post from Justin Warby who has returned to Etihad Airways’ head office in Abu Dhabi to head up its e-commerce division.

Walsh joins Etihad Airways from Travelport.

He has more than 15 years’ experience working in the travel industry, both at Travelport and British Midland International, where he was country manager Ireland.