Etihad Airways Etihad Guest - EY announces to IAD in March 2013

http://www.airlinesanddestinations.com/airlines/etihad-airways-to-begin-serving-washington-d-c-in-spring-2013/

Finally!!! EY is starting more new nonstop from AUH-IAD. This route will goes on effective March 2013 but, there is no specific date to be set yet. It will be operated A345 aircraft.

Well, Hogan himself said 31 March 2013.

"Etihad's chief executive today committed to launch service to two more US cities by 2014, open an inaugural route to South America by 2013, consider making one or two more airline investments later this year and take delivery of dozens of Airbus A350-1000s in several years."

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/etihad-chief-hogan-charts-americas-expansion-strategy-368672/

when will EY join OW?

when will EY join OW?

Possibly, If EY will consider to join OW.

Excellent move ahead of EK and a good step in breaking the monopoly of UA on USA-UAE route ^

Now that EK announced the start of non stop service to IAD in september of this year ahead of EY launch date, will EY bring close the launch date earlier in order to ensure that EK won't dominate the market by the time EY launch it service to IAD or they they won't act at all ?

I don't think it needs to bump up the dates. I mean would bumping up the dates really give them a significant "first-mover advantage" as the first UAE-based carrier to take people to/from IAD? I thought lots of passengers were either fickle and fluctuate with what airline can provide the best price or are only staunch fanatics of airlines within a certain alliance (of which both EY and EK are not a part of).

I don't think it needs to bump up the dates. I mean would bumping up the dates really give them a significant "first-mover advantage" as the first UAE-based carrier to take people to/from IAD? I thought lots of passengers were either fickle and fluctuate with what airline can provide the best price or are only staunch fanatics of airlines within a certain alliance (of which both EY and EK are not a part of).

No, there is no way to moving up on those dates. Those dates is here to stay. If EY will able moved up on those dates.

Anyone know which is the 2nd city? I can't wait for EY to start DFW.

Anyone know which is the 2nd city? I can't wait for EY to start DFW.

I doubt DFW will be the next one. not much capacity there after EK started service there. I think EY will fly to IAH after EK suspended that route in favor of a direct service to DFW.

I doubt DFW will be the next one. not much capacity there after EK started service there. I think EY will fly to IAH after EK suspended that route in favor of a direct service to DFW.

EK suspended service to IAH? I see flights operating next Feb.

I doubt DFW will be the next one. not much capacity there after EK started service there. I think EY will fly to IAH after EK suspended that route in favor of a direct service to DFW.

EK did not suspend IAH. They cut back on one flight to start DFW/SEA. They still have one daily flight. The second flight should be reinstated by this time next year.

How long does regulatory approval take for a flight like this?

I was planning a trip to India on EY or maybe a combo of *A carriers in Feb 2013 but I may hold off until this flight opens up as I'm D.C. based.

How long does regulatory approval take for a flight like this?

I was planning a trip to India on EY or maybe a combo of *A carriers in Feb 2013 but I may hold off until this flight opens up as I'm D.C. based.

Why not fly EK from IAD starting on Sep.?

Why not fly EK from IAD starting on Sep.?

I thought about this but I don't have any miles that can be redeemed on EK. I'm going to do some AS credit cards and transfers to get prepared for the upcoming AS/ EK redemption options.

EK did not suspend IAH. They cut back on one flight to start DFW/SEA. They still have one daily flight. The second flight should be reinstated by this time next year.

Right, EK will not suspend the flight. EK in IAH is here to stay. They just reduced the frequency from 2 to 1 daily flight. Because they change the route. Just recently they swap the equipped from 77L to 77W aircraft.