INTERVIEW
In addition to our UK departure points from three major cities, Etihad Airways has recently announced the introduction of an additional daily year-round service between Abu Dhabi and Dublin, which increases frequency on the route to 14 flights a week, with effect from April. The increase reflects our long-term commitment to the route, enabling both business and leisure travellers to enjoy double-daily connections via Abu Dhabi to key destinations.
HOW DOES ETIHAD WORK WITH THE TRAVEL TRADE AND WHAT SUPPORT DOES IT OFFER AGENTS AND OPERATORS?
We have a strong team covering the UK that manages global and regional trade, plus corporate accounts in the country and overseas. Out of our fleet of Airbus A380s, three serve the UK from Heathrow and that’s the most we have on one city in our network, so it demonstrates the importance of the country to us. In 2016 we relaunched ‘SuperSeller’, our dedicated frontline trade incentive programme with the addition of ‘The Unforgettables’, a promotion that gives agents the chance to win experiential prizes and shopping vouchers. In May, 80 agents enjoyed a direct product experience participating in the Etihad Airways-hosted mega-fam to Abu Dhabi. It is vital that we communicate and highlight what Abu Dhabi can offer and, as part of this, in October Etihad Airways co-hosted Abta’s 2016 Travel Convention.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM ETIHAD IN 2017?
In 2017, we will continue making great strides in our fleet, our global network, and our offering for customers. Etihad Airways
is preparing for the delivery of additional Boeing 787 aircraft, as well as its first Airbus A350, to add to one of the youngest and most environmentally-friendly fleets in the industry. The airline is also adding frequency to important destinations in India and Australia, and we expect to see the premium lounges that we have opened in the past year to continue to prove popular. New facilities have opened in Melbourne, New York and Los Angeles, as well as our flagship First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi.
ETIHAD INTRODUCED ITS INFLIGHT NANNY SERVICE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. HOW HAS THE FAMILY MARKET REACTED TO THIS AND IS IT A POPULAR SERVICE FOR CUSTOMERS?
TOP: The Residence by Etihad ABOVE: Economy Smart Seats
It’s incredibly popular with the family market, providing an extra pair of hands for passengers travelling with young children, and allowing parents more personal time during the flight – whether it’s helping to get the children settled for bed, keeping them entertained or simply offering advice and support to parents. All Etihad Airways’ Flying Nannies are cabin crew who have received additional training from the UK’s renowned Norland College, the world’s leader in training childcare professionals. In September this year, we introduced a range of ‘Etihad Explorers’ children’s activity packs and a Flying Nanny Kit, to keep our younger guests occupied while on board. Etihad Explorers is the airline’s new children’s brand and will feature on activity packs and meal items, and the new Flying Nanny Kit, containing an extensive range of fun items, promotes greater interaction between the nanny and child.
90 — aspire december 2016
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