Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Etihad to announce increased schedule, reduced transit times in Abu Dhabi

Here are some details, to be confirmed, re. putting all the routes together:

Expanded Etihad summer schedule (http://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_140637.html) [TradeArabia]
The programme of improved flight connections, which will be 47 per cent larger than the same period last year, will be announced on March 30, it added.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will operate a total of 728 weekly flights this summer compared to 494 in the same season last year, with the launch of new services to Beijing in China on 30 March and Calicut in India in June being the highlights of the summer schedule.

Etihad Airways will increase the frequency of its flights to a number of key destinations within the GCC, Middle East, Europe, Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Asia Pacific region.

Route & Increased frequncy from Abu DhabiAUH-AMM (6->10)
AUH-BEY (8->11)
AUH-CAI(10->12)
AUH-DAM (6->10)
AUH-DUB (6->7) from 30 March
AUH-KHI (13->14) Karachi
AUH-KRT (4->5) Khartoum

Looks like there is a high-demand for medium haul routes. Too bad there's nothing new for Asia/ Australia.
What kind of aircraft will they use...I bet its the A330-200. With EK focusing on long-haul expansion and GF just...dead, EY was right in capitalizing on medium haul at the moment.
Thanks...

Until EY gets BNE-SIN-AUH running at higher loads I doubt there will be expansion here.

It would be very nice if it were possible to get SYD-BNE-SIN-AUH when SYD-AUH fills, as I could see a lot of potential for side trips.

My google alerts are set for any Etihad news (hence the frequency of these posts) but alas, no mistake fares like the lovely GF DUB fare of 2006. :(

Can you believe this report... how can EY afford USD$20B? No wonder James Hogan is off to see the shareholders.

Expansion > Big dollars > murmurs > Bang!
Cedar Jet, I am waving the red flag... where is your commentary?
Where are all of the rumours of old... what do the little birdies pass on to you?

;)

Spending money the do not have (but with endless supply nonetheless)
Staff morale very low
and still hearing the word "shambles" from behind the scene.

Also I doubt GF is "dead". Just waiting for more interim planes which are at an all time impossibility to find.

One other point, many GF who flew to EY are now back at GF.

My 2 cents.

CJ:)

But signs for major improvements at GF are yet to appear....and they've only got 16 planes coming within 8 years.....its not dead just bareky surviving.

As Qatar may secede from this forum based on support and admiration for its Freddies performance this year, did anyone here vote for Gulf Air in the Freddies?

I think I put in a vote (for 'guess who'...;)) but GF cut us Aussies out of its plans; it's time to arrange a GF miles redemption!


On our recent flight ex-BNE, the premium cabin had a much better load than Y; word has spread that premium class travel on airlines in this forum is a world-class experience, if planned properly.


:)

But signs for major improvements at GF are yet to appear....and they've only got 16 planes coming within 8 years.....its not dead just bareky surviving.

They will have 6 brand new A320's sooner rather than later and have an option for 8 more 787's.
I guess I meant the 'interim' planes they will need until the 787's are delivered. All in all they have a plan and once again I disagree they are now more than just barely surviving.

If nothing else morale at GF is much better than it is at EK or EY or even QR for that fact, so my sources tell me.

CJ:)