Media Archive

15th January 2009 - Etihad Airways is extending its services in Ireland with the announcement of a new codeshare agreement with Aer Arann which will provide travellers from Cork and Galway with greater access to 48 destinations around the world through its Abu Dhabi hub.

Under the deal, which is now in force, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY' code on Aer Arann's regional flights from Cork and Galway to Dublin and also from the Isle of Man.

In turn, the codeshare agreement will give air travellers in Ireland and the Isle of Man access, via Dublin, to Etihad's home base of Abu Dhabi and beyond it to 48 destinations on the airline's global network which covers the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Beatrice Cosgrave, Etihad Airways' country manager Ireland, said: "We are thrilled to announce this new code share agreement with Aer Arann. Following on from Etihad Airways sponsorship of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, this new development is a further step to solidify our involvement in Ireland. Irish travellers from Cork and Galway will now be able to fly via Dublin to Abu Dhabi and beyond, therefore making their travel experience more enjoyable with less stress."

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said: "Etihad Airways has developed a strong affinity with Ireland, with Dublin quickly establishing itself as one of our most popular routes, enjoying average seat factors during 2008 of more than 80 per cent.

"There is great demand amongst our customers to travel beyond the Irish capital, which this new codeshare agreement now allows."

Welcoming the code share agreement Aer Arann Chief Executive Paul Schütz praised Etihad Airways for their recognition of the importance of regional connections to their global network.

"The importance of regional access to major international routes cannot be over-stated", said Paul Schütz, "and this code share agreement is a very significant addition to the infrastructure supporting business and the economy in the regions".

"The code share agreement is also a major boost for leisure travel to and from the regions" the Aer Arann Chief Executive continued. "This type of regional connectivity to large hub airports means that both business and leisure passengers can now enjoy seamless travel from Cork, Galway and the Isle of Man to the entire Etihad network" Paul Schütz continued.

"Etihad passengers from the regions will now be able to check-in with Aer Arann, get all their boarding cards and send their bags all the way through to their final destination" said Paul Schütz, "ensuring that it is just as easy to travel from the South or West of Ireland to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok or Sydney as it is from Dublin or London", the Aer Arann CEO concluded.

Etihad Airways strengthened its ties with Ireland in March 2008 when it announced details of a two-year sponsorship deal of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships. In the same month, the airline also increased its flights to Ireland to a daily service. Etihad is now the only carrier to fly direct from Ireland to the Middle East and beyond.

Etihad operates seven flights a week from Dublin. Flight EY48 departs Dublin on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7.55pm and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 7.20am the following day. Return flight EY41 departs Abu Dhabi on the same day at 1.50pm and arrives in Dublin at 6.25pm the same day.

Flight EY42 departs Dublin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.00am and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 8.25pm the same day. Return flight EY45 departs from Abu Dhabi on the same days at 2.10am and arrives in Dublin at 6.45am the same day.

Etihad currently has 10 other codeshare agreements with Brussels Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Jet Airways, Yemen Airways, Saudi Arabia Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines and UK-based airline, bmi.