Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways (ETIHAD) is continuing is bullish network expansion with the addition of San Francisco, today; Dallas, December 3; Kolkata, February 15; Madrid, March 29; Entebbe, May 1; Edinburgh, June 8; Hong Kong, June 15; and Algiers, June 17.
To celebrate, ETIHAD Guest members (the airline’s frequent flyer programme) who book to fly on the new routes during their first 30 days of operation can earn double miles.
The offer is valid for members who register for double miles at least 48 hours in advance of their scheduled flight.
The extra miles are valid for awards redemption only, and do not classify for tier renewal/retention.
In other news, ETIHAD’s CEO James Hogan surprised the industry last week when he announced that bookings for the ultra-luxurious ‘Residence’ suite boasting a double bed, living area and shower cubicle are running far ahead of the usual 50% reservation-rate for first-class berths.
“We’ve been quite happy with the takeup,” Hogan said at an industry conference. “There’s a market there.” The $20,000 charged for the sole ‘Residence’ berth on each A380 will cover a one-way, eight-hour trip only, while permitting dual occupancy.
ETIHAD will launch the A380 and its on-board residence on December 27 on the Abu Dhabi – London (Heathrow) route.
For more information, visit www.etihad.com
Dominic Sebastian Lalk
