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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, this week marked its seventh year of service to the Thai capital of Bangkok with a visit by the airline's CEO, James Hogan, and the launch of a new Thai-language website.

Mr Hogan, who was accompanied by senior Etihad executives Khaled Almehairbi and Hassan Al Hammadi, held talks with codeshare partner Bangkok Airways President Captain Puttipong Prasartthong-Osoth and Thai Airways President Piyasvati Amranand. He also hosted a VIP luncheon for key business leaders and a cocktail event for more than 400 guests at the Siam Kempinski Hotel including the UAE Ambassador to Thailand His Excellency Mohammed Al Shamsi.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: "This week's seventh anniversary celebrations highlight the significance of Bangkok to Etihad's operations.

"The Thai capital has the distinction of being one of Etihad's first long haul destinations. When we started flying here on April 3, 2004 it was only the second long haul destination in the airline's network, after London Heathrow.

"Today, Bangkok is Etihad's number 1 destination in Asia with the greatest deployment of seat capacity - of 824 seats per day."

Mr Hogan also commemorated the anniversary by launching a new Thai-language version of the airline's logo and website etihad.com.

"These new brand assets and the Thai-language website, in particular, recognize the importance of the Thai market to Etihad's business and our enduring commitment to it.

"Etihad is proud to be the first and currently only airline from the Gulf region to offer this dedicated service to the Thai people.

"Thai nationals will now be able to navigate our website with ease and book travel with more convenience and greater confidence."

Mr Hogan also acknowledged the contribution to the airline's success of the local expatriate market and international visitors to Thailand.

"Etihad is committed to supporting the growth of tourism into Thailand and to providing business and leisure travelers with fast and convenient access to our key destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

"We are proud to have been awarded the title of ‘Friend of Thailand' by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for our small contribution to the country's tourism industry."