Etihad has begun offering complimentary chauffeur-driven cars for Diamond (first class) and Pearl (business class) passengers flying to Abu Dhabi from Gatwick and Heathrow. The offer will cover flights from Manchester later in the summer.
The transfers have no mileage limits within the UK and are being carried out by Chauffeurcar Plc using BMW 7 series and Mercedes S class for Diamond and Mercedes E class and Volvo S80 for those booked in Pearl class.
Rival Gulf airline Emirates has had a long-standing chauffeur car offer in the UK but its service, although offering a no mileage limit for first class passengers, has a 65 or 100 mile limit for those booked in business class.
In the Gulf itself, Etihad continues its door-to-door service. Diamond and Pearl passengers have a transfer to any UAE address, while Coral (economy) passengers enjoy a complimentary coach sevice between Abu Dhabi airport and the cities of Al Ain and Dubai. Bear in mind that some ticket types may not qualify for these chauffeur transfers, so check when booking.
Etihad currently flies once daily to Abu Dhabi from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. There's a second daily flight from Heathrow between Thursday and Sunday inclusive.
In other news Etihad will add a further four destinations in the coming weeks. Flights from Abu Dhabi will begin to Casablanca on June 2 with Doha following on June 18. Kuwait follows on July 1 with Khartoum to be added on July 5.
For more information go to etihadairways.com
Report by Alex McWhirter