By Lee Hyo-sik
Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s flagship carrier, Friday launched a daily flight between Incheon and Abu Dhabi, offering another flight option to Korean business travelers heading to the rapidly growing Middle East.
The inaugural flight EY876 is scheduled to depart Abu Dhabi at 10:45 p.m. Friday night and arrive at Incheon International Airport at 12:05 p.m. today.
The airline, which was established by UAE Royal Decree in July 2003, will operate three A330-200 airplanes, providing 2,800 seats each week to and from Korea, while code sharing with Asiana Airlines.
“We are delighted to commence services to South Korea, which has been a target destination for us for some time. We are confident that this new route will be a success for both our passenger and cargo operations. We look forward to facilitating business and leisure traffic between the two countries,” Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said during a launch ceremony held at Banyan Tree Spa and Resort in central Seoul, Friday.
He then stressed that his company is different from other Middle East-based airlines because it is closely cooperating with Asiana Airlines from the beginning. “I am 100 percent sure that we will quickly establish our foothold here through our partnership with Asiana, and hopefully expand our services in the near future.”
The new route is also expected to offer Korean business and leisure travelers onward connections via Abu Dhabi to a number of key destinations across the airline’s global network, including the Gulf, Istanbul, Athens, London, Paris and South Africa.
“Etihad Airways’ new services have only been made possible with the support of the UAE government and the general civil aviation authority, as well as the Korean government and its civil aviation authority. We are grateful for the support shown to Etihad and look forward to a successful service,” Hogan said.
The UAE has emerged as a key trading partner for Korea, with many local companies maintaining a strong presence in Abu Dhabi and other areas, particularly in the energy and construction sectors. Over 5,000 Korean nationals are currently residing in the Middle Eastern nation for business and other purposes.
UAE Ambassador to Korea Mohammed Al Maainah, who was present at the launching ceremony, said his country will continue to build relationships with Korea across a number of industries including energy, construction and infrastructure. “Etihad’s commencement of services will also see a real focus on building a partnership in tourism and travel, which will be a great benefit to both nations.”