Etihad Airways to launch Abu Dhabi - Johannesburg flights

Etihad Airways is to launch its new services between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg on Thursday 1 December.

“The UAE and South Africa have enjoyed a tremendous bilateral relationship for many years and the new Etihad Johannesburg service will significantly enhance this. Guests will be offered both choice and flexibility with the service, whilst enjoying Etihad’s world-famous hospitality,” said H.E Dr Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, the Chairman of Etihad Airways and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Johannesburg route is expected to see a major increase in trade between the two countries, with South African exports to the UAE increasing from US$ 251 million in 2002 to US$ 410.5 million in 2004.

Known as the Gateway to Africa, Johannesburg is a mélange of African cultures. With a population of more than 3 million people, it is often described as the most cosmopolitan city on the continent.

“South Africa enjoys a strong and growing economic relationship with the UAE, and we applaud Etihad Airways’ prudent decision to begin this passenger and cargo flights to Johannesburg, one of our largest cities and centre of our commercial enterprise, but we also welcome the region’s growing base of holiday makers. The total number of business and holiday travellers who spend a minimum of 48 hours in the UAE has far surpassed the 40,000 persons mark annually,” said H.E. Dikgang Moopeloa, South African Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad flight EY603 will fly from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg at 0045 hours every Thursday and Saturday, with the return flight, EY604, leaving Johannesburg at 0950 hours on the same day.

Guests will fly on an Airbus A340-300 configured to host 10 Diamond guests, 30 Pearl guests and 225 Coral guests.

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