Etihad Airways to Launch Los Angeles Flights

Etihad Airways is planning to launch direct flights to Los Angeles, California.

The expansion of its US operation will see the airline commence non-stop daily flights between its Abu Dhabi home-base (AUH) and Los Angeles (LAX) from 1 June 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Californian city will be Etihad Airways’ fourth US destination, joining Chicago, New York and Washington D.C, and will see the airline provide 28 return flights each week between the UAE and US.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer said, “The new service will increase Etihad Airways’ operations in the US market by 33% and cater for growing leisure and business traffic demands in Los Angeles, as well as the considerable catchment area of the city ... The expansion of the US network also will be of considerable benefit to the growing commercial and cultural ties between the US and UAE, with trade between the two countries set to increase beyond the current annual level of US$ 22.5 billion.”

Etihad Airways will use a three cabin ultra-long range Boeing 777-200LR on the Los Angeles operation.

The aircraft will be configured to carry 237 guests, with 8 Diamond First Class suites, 40 Pearl Business Class flatbed seats, and 189 Coral Economy Class seats.

Flight EY171 will depart daily from Abu Dhabi at 08:45 and arrive in Los Angeles at 14:15 the same day. The return flight, EY170, will the depart Los Angeles at 16:15 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 19:35 the following day.