Abu Dhabi, January 19: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will expand its services to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Feb 1, increasing to 12 flights per week.The increased flying programme is a result of the strong ties between the two countries and the growing demand for business and religious travel in the region.
The airline will operate an Airbus A320 aircraft between the two cities, with the capacity to carry 16 passengers in Pearl Business class and 120 guests in Coral Economy class.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone market for Etihad and Jeddah has always been an important strategic destination for the airline.”
Etihad Airways commenced operations to Jeddah in May 2006, with three frequencies per week, increasing to daily from April 2007 and now to 12 flights per week from February 2011. The airline also offers a non-stop, eight-flights-per-week service to the Saudi capital Riyadh.
–IANS–