Fast-growing Abu Dhabi-based carrier is hoping for breakthrough in UAE-India talks
Greater access to more Indian cities, in addition to service to Egypt and Nigeria, are the immediate network development priorities for Etihad Airways.
"We are hoping for Open Skies between the Gulf and India. This will give us the access we need to go to more secondary cities," says Etihad chief James Hogan.
The signs from the Indian government are that a more liberal accord is coming, but the timing remains uncertain. Under the current bilateral, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is only able to serve four Indian cities. Fast-growing Etihad already serves Mumbai and Delhi and will begin flights in March to Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram using its new fleet of Airbus A320s. "We would like to add at least another seven cities in India," Hogan says.
Traffic rights to Europe is not an issue as Etihad moves towards its long-term objective of twice daily services out of all major European cities to give it "two-way connectivity out of the hub". Slots is more an issue at European airports. Hogan says Etihad is close to securing a slot pair at London Heathrow to replace a pair it had been leasing from United Airlines.
Etihad is also launching its first Chinese route, to Beijing, in March. Expansion at Abu Dhabi and the prospect of greater liberalisation means Etihad is preparing a huge aircraft order for 2008. Consisting of narrowbodies, mid-sized widebodies and aircraft in the A380/Boeing 747-8I class, the order will satisfy its aircraft replacement needs between 2010 and 2020, says Hogan.
"We would like to add at least another seven cities in India"
James Hogan
Chief executive, Etihad
Source: Airline Business
