Etihad announces new non-stop service to Malaysia

According to executives at the Abu Dhabi-based airline, strength of demand for the new route indicates that it will have a significant impact in both the corporate and leisure sectors in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

"This non-stop service between the UAE and Malaysian capitals is set to be one of our most popular, with a high volume of traffic direct from the Middle East, and also from European Guests looking to travel via Abu Dhabi to Malaysia on business or vacation," said James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.

Kuala Lumpur is a highly popular destination for UAE and other Middle Eastern nationals due to the flexible visa requirements, and the advanced medical facilities and treatments which are available.

"Malaysia and the UAE enjoy an array of cultural ties in addition to vibrant economies. We fully expect business executives and leisure travellers, based in both countries, to fly frequently with Etihad on this new service, further enhancing trade links," added Hogan.

According to the latest Government figures, Malaysia is importing an increasing number of goods from the UAE, with the total trade between the two countries reaching US $606 million for the last two years.

Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia's most advanced cities combining gleaming skyscrapers and state-of-the-art shopping malls, with local colour from British colonial buildings, a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India.

It will be Etihad's fourth destination in the Far East, following the enormously successful double-daily service to Bangkok, and also the non-stop operations to Jakarta and Manila.

Etihad will operate one of its three-zone Airbus A340-300 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur, which is configured to carry 10 Guests in Diamond zone, 30 Guests in Pearl zone and 225 in Coral zone.

The service, which will launch on 15 January, will operate every day of the week except Saturday.

Outbound EY 405 will depart Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 02:40, arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 14:15.

The return flight EY 406 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 15:00, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 18:15.