EtihadAirways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signeda new codeshare agreement with TAP Portugal, the national carrier ofPortugal.

Thedeal offers Etihad Airways guests a wealth of new flight options todestinations in Portugal including Lisbon, Faro, Funchal (Madeira)and Porto.  The new codeshare services will go on sale today,for travel from October 15.

Theagreement – Etihad Airways’ 34^thsuch commercial partnership – continues the Abu Dhabi-basedairline’s global network expansion.

Underthe codeshare, Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code onservices operated by TAP Portugal from Lisbon to Brussels,Düsseldorf, Faro, Frankfurt, Funchal, Geneva, London, Milan, andPorto.  TAP Portugal flights from Porto to Brussels and Genevawill also carry the ‘EY’ code.

TAPwill place its ‘TP’ code on Etihad Airways flights to and fromBrussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, and Milan.

JamesHogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “This newcodeshare illustrates Etihad’s growing ambitions in Europe. Itopens up four key destinations in Portugal that we have been eager tooffer our customers for a long time and we are certain theconnections and seamless flight experience offered by Etihad Airwaysand TAP Portugal will appeal to business and leisure travellers.”

FernandoPinto, TAP Portugal’s Chief Executive Officer said:  “TAPhas been very active in providing new and more diverse qualityservices to its worldwide customer base. Through this new agreementwith Etihad Airways, TAP will be reaching the United Arab Emiratesfor the first time ever, not only offering faster and more convenientlinks between the Gulf region and Portugal, but also attracting andcarrying new passengers to its own network, based at its functionalLisbon hub.”     

Source: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has officially opened its new premium lounge at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2). Etihad became the first airline to operate its scheduled arrival and departure services from T2 in late November 2010.

The new lounge offers Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services that have not been seen in Ireland before, including:
• a high-tech “Business Centre”, offering Mac workstations with broadband access and printer facilities, along with free WiFi for those that prefer to work from their own laptops;
• shower rooms;
• a luggage room for bag storage;
• a comfortable main lounge area boasting a library of books, magazines and newspapers from around the world, furnished with Italian leather chairs and soft sofas;
• a full bar;
• a wide variety of food for customers travelling out of Ireland, including an a la carte menu, international buffet, and a special children’s menu; and
• a dedicated “family room” for younger travellers, stocked with toys, books and a TV to keep them inspired and entertained.    

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ireland is a very important market for us and one in which we have continually invested. Our commitment to Ireland was reinforced last year when we increased our services to 10 flights a week between Dublin and our home base in Abu Dhabi, and this commitment was further strengthened when we opened a Line Maintenance Facility at Dublin Airport last June. The opening of this lounge marks another stage in the development of that relationship.”

Etihad Airways is officially recognised as the ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ flying out of Ireland, having picked up the accolade last month at both the Irish Travel Trade News Awards and the Irish Travel Agents Association Awards.

Late last year Etihad Airways took the top award at the World Travel Awards, having been voted ‘World’s Leading Airline’ by more than 180,000 travel industry professionals from over 175 countries. This is the second year in a row that Etihad has won this prestigious title.

Justin Warby, Etihad Airways Country Manager for Ireland, said: “Today is another milestone in Etihad Airways’ Irish operation. The new premium lounge is a perfect reflection of the Etihad brand – modern comforts with sophisticated elegance, which will enhance our customers’ travel experience flying out of Ireland.”

The new 332m2 lounge has expansive views of the apron/taxiways and overlooks the gate where Etihad will operate many of its services.

Source: Etihad Airways