Etihad Airways launched its presence into the Melbourne market by commencing direct flights from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi last week.
Etihad will also have direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Athens and Larnaca commence in June thus becoming a new major airline carrier that taps into the Greek Australian market.
Australian Etihad CEO, Lindsay White announced in an interview granted to Neos Kosmos’ Sotiris Hatzimanolis that passengers booking their flights by April 17 might be able to secure a special offer of $1837 round trip ticket to Athens.
However White noted that the number of seats for this offer is limited and are quickly being sold.
“We are delighted with the support that we’re getting from travel agents and travellers alike.
Bookings for the Athens flights have exceeded our expectations because travellers want to trust a reputable airline that carries them to their destination safely, comfortably, quickly and inexpensively,” Mr White said.
Greek Australian travel agents have indicated to Neos Kosmos that Etihad’s presence in this niche ethnic market will increase competition and benefit consumers. Etihad’s flights from Melbourne to Greece and Cyprus will have a stopover at Abu Dhabi for two and a half hours.
Etihad Airways is a new carrier with great ambitions.
“Our oldest aircraft is two and a half years old,” pointed out Mr White. “We have the best economy class as well as the best business class. Our food is restaurant quality and for entertainment we offer more than 300 options of movies tv series and games,” he added.
Etihad Airways personnel is form 110 different countries. “Of course we have Greeks in our personnel and on our flights to Athens we will try to have Greek speaking air stewards. Besides we also have Greek pilots,” stressed the CEO of Etihad in Australia.