Etihad Airways is to drop its Gatwick operation in favour of Heathrow when it goes twice daily to Abu Dhabi at the start of the summer season.
The rationale is quite simple. The Gatwick operation is flown on a two-class Boeing 777 whilst at Heathrow Etihad offers a three-cabin service including the outstanding Diamond Zone, where the seats can be rotated through 180 degrees for dining or discussion purposes. With the start of services to Sydney from Abu Dhabi at the same time the airline will be able to offer through flights with a minimum stopover. The lounge facility at Abu Dhabi includes a five-star airside airport hotel, with full facilities.
James Hogan, the airline”s chief executive and a visitor to the airline”s impressive stand at London”s Business Travel Show, added: ”As well as flying smarter we”ll work hard at Etihad Airways to address our cost base, our financial well-being, our brand, our future fleet plans and our service, both in the air and on the ground. And the changes at the airline will mirror the ambitious programme of change now underway in Abu Dhabi.
”The forward thinking emirate of Abu Dhabi is intrinsic to our development. It will be the home to a staggering investment of $136bn (”69.8bn) in the next nine years as it grows and matures as a centre of excellence in both business and leisure. The recently announced plan to stage an Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2009 strongly demonstrates this ambition and it is our aim to be a pivotal player in Abu Dhabi”s success story.