The Washington region is home to America’s second largest market flying to the Middle East, after New York. Etihad Airways’ new service will link DC with Abu Dhabi, a vibrant and growing hub for business, culture and tourism.
Etihad Airways President and CEO James Hogan said: “No other UAE carrier is offering nonstop services between DC and the UAE, so this capital-to-capital link is a huge opportunity for Etihad Airways.”
The new service will further strengthen the already strong political and economic ties between the National Capital Region and the UAE.
Last week, the US Department of Commerce released data showing that total trade volume between the US and the UAE rose to $18.3 billion in 2011, a 43 percent increase from the year before. This increase represents the highest trade volume to date between the US and the UAE. It also means that, for the third consecutive year, the UAE is the single largest export market for US goods in the Middle East. The US is the fifth largest trade partner worldwide for the UAE.
Hogan said: “The point-to-point traffic between Washington and Abu Dhabi is expected to contribute significantly to overall loads on the route. The schedule also allows maximum connectivity to key markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The Washington, DC metropolitan area ranks as one of the strongest performing economies in the country.
Demand for premium cabins from the market is significantly higher than from other potential US destinations, so we forecast that our award-winning Diamond First class and Pearl Business Class will be very popular.
