ETIHAD AIRWAYS INCREASES MALDIVES FREQUENCY FROM DAILY TO 11 FLIGHTS A WEEK IN SUMMER 2018

Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Etihad Airways today announced four additional weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi – Malé route, taking frequency to the idyllic Maldives to 11 services a week from June next year.

The extra flights, effective 15 June 2018, will operate year-round and provide more travel options with an early morning arrival enabling guests to maximise their stay in the Maldives.

In addition to providing greater choice and flexibility for UAE and GCC residents, overall connectivity and timing options between the Maldives and key countries on Etihad Airways’ European network will be enhanced. These include the major markets of the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Russia.

The expansion from the current daily operation will continue to see a two-class A320 aircraft on the route, offering 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are increasing frequency to 11 flights a week in order to cater to growing demand on the route, and to provide our guests with more choice of flights so that they can make the most of their stay in the Maldives.”

Since launching the route in November 2011, Etihad Airways has flown more than 550,000 passengers to and from the Maldives. Visitors from the UAE increased 35 per cent over the past 12 months, while Europe continues to be the main source market for the Maldives, one of the world’s premium honeymoon and leisure destinations.

The additional flights (*) will operate every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 15 June 2018.

Flight No.	Origin	Departs	Destination	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
EY 278	Abu Dhabi	08.40	Malé	14.05	Daily	Airbus A320
EY 279	Malé	20:35	Abu Dhabi	23:50	Daily	Airbus A320
EY 260 *	Abu Dhabi	00:55	Malé	06:20	Mon, Fri, Sat and Sun	Airbus A320
EY 261 *	Malé	18:50	Abu Dhabi	22:05	Mon, Fri, Sat and Sun	Airbus A320

About Etihad Aviation Group

Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is a diversified global aviation and travel group comprising five business divisions – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways Engineering, Etihad Airport Services, Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners.

From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to serve, more than 100 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of over 120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. In 2013, it placed firm orders for 204 aircraft, which included 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. For more information, please visit: etihad.com

For further information contact:

Updesh Kapur

Etihad Airways Corporate Communications

Direct: +971 2 511 3276

Mob:   +971 5 6546 1402

Email:  ukapur@etihad.ae