The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates is Etihad Airways. The feedback accumulated over several years of activity has given the company the right to be called one of the leading enterprises in the world of aviation. The name "Etihad" in translation from Arabic (national for the UAE) means "Union". The company's management emphasizes by this its readiness to constantly develop, establish and competently integrate mutually beneficial partnerships.
History of the development of the air carrier
The company was founded in the summer of 2003 by royal decree of the Emir. In November of the same year, demonstration commercial flights were made. And in less than 10 years, Etihad Airways has been able to mark the history of commercial aviation as the fastest growing company in the industry.
The capital of the UAE - the city of Abu Dhabi is the home base and the central transport hub of the air carrier. Rapidly developing, the company added to its network of routes every month one flight in a new direction. The peak of development was 2006, when Etihad Airways, after 30 months of activity, had 30 destination airports. To date, geographyflights of the airline is already more than 100 destinations located around the globe.
Etihad Airways has an unprecedented new aircraft order in 2004 worth more than $8 billion on its list of key achievements. Over 30 different international awards, including Best New Global Airline and Leading Global Airline, as judged by the World Travel Awards.
Etihad Airways today
The airline is run by a Board of Directors, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The portfolio of this Middle Eastern air carrier has a significant share of the shares of the European company Air Berlin. A major partner is the Government of the Seychelles, one of Etihad Airways' most popular destinations, whose Air Seychelles is 40% owned by the Middle East carrier.
In its work, the airline strives to demonstrate to passengers the best aspects of the hospitality of an Arab country. This is an attentive attitude to guests, generosity, warmth and rich traditions. Thanks to this approach, the prestige of the capital of the United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi, as a modern center connecting the West and the East, has significantly increased. Etihad Airways has achieved its global ambition to be the 21st century carrier with a progressive vision for hospitality in the air.
Airplane Fleet
The fleet of this airline includes more than100 liners. Among them are the following models: Airbus A319 (the smallest), A320, A321, A330, A340 (in several versions), A380 (the largest), Boeing 747, 777, 787. Etihad Airways also ordered the construction of several more modern aircraft. It is expected that in the near future they will replenish the already impressive fleet.
Etihad Airways flight destinations
Which airline boasts such a wide geography of flights? Not all air carriers in the world can compete with Etihad. So, the air fleet of the Middle East company carries out several hundred flights a day. Both domestic destinations and the widest international network are served, in which more than 100 destinations are located in the countries of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America.
Popular destinations in the Middle East are: Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Jeddah. In Europe, these are: Paris, Madrid, London, Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Milan, Moscow. In Asian countries: Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo. In Africa: Cairo, Johannesburg. In America: Toronto, Sao Paulo, New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington. In Australia and New Zealand: Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington.
Frequent Flyer Program
For frequent flyers with Etihad Airways, there is a loy alty program called Etihad Guest. Its members are offered pleasant benefits and bonuses.
There are three levels of membership:Silver, Gold, Elite. Members of the program have the opportunity to receive free tickets, an accelerated and simplified registration procedure, as well as a whole range of discounts on additional services - from a car rental procedure to a night in a five-star hotel at an attractive price.
The process of earning miles is quite simple, the coveted points are credited to the client's personal account not only when buying tickets, but also when using the services of Etihad Airways partner companies. Feedback from program participants informs about a fairly large number of hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, travel companies and others.
Additional services and service
Etihad Airways strives to build a great relationship with its passengers throughout the journey - from the beginning of the flight booking process to the direct arrival at the airport. To do this, the air carrier has developed many special services, for example, the “No-appearing guest” service. If a passenger who has already checked in for a flight cannot use his ticket and informs the airline in advance about the cancellation of the flight, then the carrier has the opportunity to offer the vacant seat to another person who has no other opportunity to fly.
Sometimes the opposite happens when a carrier is forced to deny boarding to a passenger who arrives at the airport on time and checks in for an Etihad Airways flight. Feedback from people who find themselves in such an unpleasant situation,indicate that the airline offers a ticket for the next flight and the possibility of free meals during the period of forced delay, as well as the use of ground transportation to spend the night at the hotel at the carrier's expense.
Satisfying the special requests and wishes of passengers also meets the principles of personal care of this Arab air carrier. With advance notice, the company offers a meeting of children traveling by air without adults, as well as people with hearing or vision problems.
For passengers with he alth problems, the company's staff provides a wheelchair, stretcher, oxygen, etc. Infants will be provided with cradles. Please note that usually their number is limited on board, you need to book this service in advance. Changing rooms are available on all flights operated by Etihad Airways.
Special in-flight meals are also available upon reservation. This can be vegetarian, diet food and a menu of dishes that comply with various religious restrictions.
First class customers have free chauffeur service at their destination. Also, a special waiting room of increased comfort with a seating area, TV, library, massage chairs is open for these passengers. At the same time, a 24-hour restaurant is open in the waiting room.
Activities not related to passenger transport
The company has a freight transportation division. A subsidiary of Etihad Holidays provides services forselection of holiday options for any most demanding taste and budget, booking not only air tickets, but also hotel rooms.
The airline acts as a sponsor of many sports clubs. In her work, she strives to demonstrate the original aspects of Eastern culture, taking care to increase the prestige of her native country.
Etihad Airways cabin
Reviews, the economy class is presented most fully among them, they report new salons without traces of long operation. The entertainment system on board is individual for each and is built into the seat of the passenger in front. It offers an excellent selection of films, music, educational programs in different languages and with sub titles. The seats themselves are very comfortable, recline well, have retractable armrests. The step between the chairs is large, which is convenient for tall people.
Serving passengers during the flight
Each client of the airline is offered a soft pillow, a warm blanket, high-quality headphones. On night flights, a sleep and hygiene kit is also added to this list. The latter includes a sleep bandage with the inscription: “Wake up while feeding” on one side, and with a request: “Do not disturb” on the other, as well as toothpaste and a brush, earplugs, socks. For children, there are various bags with Etihad Airways art kits.
Reviews in 2014 about in-flight meals are mostly positive. Service starts almost immediatelyafter takeoff. Passengers are offered snacks, drinks, including a good selection of alcohol. Hot wipes for wiping hands are also available. The main menu includes meat and vegetarian dishes. There is baby food, the order of which should be notified to the airline in advance. What distinguishes Etihad Airways from its competitors is the provision of metal appliances to passengers. Of the minuses, customers mention the absence of fish dishes in the menu and the small amount of portions.
Airline staff
It is quite common for passengers to create reviews appreciating Etihad Airways by giving compliments to the staff. First of all, it concerns the form. She is very beautiful, elegant, designed in a strict Arabic style. The smiling staff is as welcoming as possible to the guests, helping to find a place, put heavy luggage on the shelf above the seat. Usually the flight is served by a multilingual crew. Be sure to have flight attendants who speak English and Arabic. Also, depending on the direction, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, German, Portuguese can be found. Thanks to this, your flight will be as comfortable as possible with Etihad Airways.
Reviews of flight attendants about their work in the airline show the maximum concern for safety. Flight attendants are confident in their colleagues who will not be confused and will be able to make the right decision in any emergency or emergency situation. The personnel training system prepares people who thoroughly know the textbook on safety and first aid, as well as constantly thinking about safetypassengers.
After reviewing the detailed history of how Etihad Airways came about, the feedback from passengers and flight attendants about the work of the carrier, you can appreciate all the benefits of flying and get the most out of your trip.
