Research commissioned by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has quantified a range of government and court-sanctioned benefits and concessions received by the three biggest US carriers, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines Group, and other airlines with which they have merged. According to Etihad research, these US airlines have received benefits valued at US$71.48 billion, more than US$70 billion of which has been since 2000, enabling the nation’s three largest carriers to transition from the verge of bankruptcy to today’s industry leaders, each achieving multi-billion dollar profits.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed James Harrison as general manager for the United Kingdom. Harrison, who has more than 25 years of travel industry experience, takes up the role after two years as Etihad Airways’ general manager for Canada.

Etihad Airways has been promoting its highly-acclaimed brand campaign starring Australian actress Nicole Kidman, the airline’s partnership with Alitalia for the Expo Milano 2015, at Arabian Travel Market. The ground floor of the stand will have a section dedicated to Etihad Airways Partners, showcasing how the group of like-minded airlines is offering air travellers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

Etihad Airways has appointed Othman Aleghfeli, a UAE national, as area manager Gulf Cooperation Council. He moves up from his current position as assistant general manager for the airline’s Abu Dhabi Hub. In the new role, Othman will be responsible for overseeing the airline’s operations and driving growth in the GCC.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has welcomed the decision of Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation to approve the airline’s 33.3 per cent investment in the Swiss regional carrier Darwin Airline. Since January, 2014, Lugano-based Darwin Airline has operated as Etihad Regional under a brand and partnership agreement with Etihad Airways.

“The dark clouds of protectionism” gathering over the air travel industry in Europe and the United States pose a significant threat to the millions of travellers who have benefitted from new choice in the market, argued Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan earlier. Addressing the Aviation Club, Hogan said international regulators should recognise that, “investing in success is not a crime; blocking competition would be.”