This September, Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, is marking a significant milestone: 20 years of serving the vibrant Indian market. The journey began on September 26, 2004, with the launch of flights to Mumbai, followed by New Delhi on December 1st of the same year. Since then, Etihad has expanded its network to include 11 Indian destinations, adding Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Jaipur earlier this year. To cater to the growing demand, Etihad has also increased its flight frequencies to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, offering passengers over 50 additional weekly flights compared to last summer.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, expressed the airline’s commitment to India, stating, “India is a strategically important market for Etihad, and we’re extremely proud to be celebrating 20 years of flying to this incredible country. When the young and ambitious Etihad launched flights to Mumbai in 2004, it was Etihad’s 8th global destination, and since then we’ve expanded to 80 destinations with a vision to offer 125 destinations by 2030. This year, we are proud to offer Indian travellers a greater number of flight options from 11 gateways across India, making Etihad the leading airline for connectivity for Indian travellers to the Middle East, Europe and North America.”
To commemorate this special occasion, Etihad has introduced several exciting initiatives. The iconic Airbus A380 is now operating three times weekly on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route, offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable experience. Additionally, Etihad is offering a 20% discount on flights to and from India for bookings made through etihad.com from September 19 to 21, 2024, for travel between October 1, 2024, and March 15, 2025. This special offer allows travelers to enjoy incredible fares to destinations worldwide, including Boston and New York in the U.S., the romantic city of Paris, and the cultural hub of London.
Etihad’s dedication to the Indian market extends beyond its expanded flight network and special offers. The airline has forged strategic partnerships with prominent Indian entities. Earlier this year, Etihad became the Official Sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings, a leading team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), engaging fans with activities at every match and featuring cricket legend MS Dhoni in its TV commercials. In further celebration of its 20-year milestone, Etihad also announced its new role as the Official Front-of-Shirt sponsor for Mumbai City FC, a top football team with two Indian Super League titles and two ISL Cups.
Moreover, Etihad welcomed Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif as a brand ambassador, highlighting the airline’s exceptional guest experience in several campaigns. This initiative resonates with millions of viewers globally, further solidifying Etihad’s presence in India. To further enhance the passenger experience, Etihad introduced locally sourced catering for flights departing from India this summer. By collaborating with local chefs and caterers in its 11 Indian destinations, Etihad now serves menus featuring fresh ingredients and authentic local dishes. Passengers flying from Delhi can indulge in a menu celebrating the nation’s culinary heritage, with a mix of Mughlai, Punjabi, and street food flavors. Those departing from Mumbai will enjoy traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, known for its bold spices. Similarly, guests flying from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Kerala can savor regional delicacies unique to each destination. This move not only elevates Etihad’s onboard dining experience but also showcases the airline’s commitment to supporting local economies and job creation through its partnerships with local suppliers.
In its continuous effort to cater to the Indian market, Etihad became the first foreign airline to launch a Hindi-language website, making bookings more accessible to Hindi-speaking travelers. Onboard, Etihad offers a rich selection of multi-language entertainment, featuring the latest Bollywood blockbusters, music videos, and TV series. Indian films are available in various languages, including Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, and Marathi. Etihad employs over 10,000 people from 140 different nationalities across its Abu Dhabi headquarters and global offices. Of these, approximately 1,700 employees are of Indian origin, filling a range of operational and commercial roles. This diverse workforce reflects the significant contributions of Indian professionals living and working in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
