Etihad Airways takes off in Ireland

The new four flights-a-week service offers air travellers direct access to Dublin and Ireland which is now one of Europe's top holiday and business destinations.

The new flight also enables Etihad's Irish passengers a one-stop connection to Sydney which is the fastest way to Australia from Ireland.

To mark the launch of the new service James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, held a press conference at Dublin airport with Noel Dempsey T.D., minister for transport and the marines, and Declan Collier, chief executive of Dublin Airport Authority.

Mr Hogan said: "Ireland is a significant market for Etihad and one that plays a key role in the strategic development of the airline. We believe that the time and economic conditions are right for the Dublin to Abu Dhabi route to become a major success.

"Etihad continues to fulfil its pledge to provide our customers, throughout the world, with services to the most popular commercial and cultural destinations."

The Abu Dhabi based airline will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the Dublin route with 10 seats in first class, 26 seats in business and 164 seats in economy, with a total passenger capacity of 1,600 seats every week.

Noel Dempsey, T.D., said: "This is a very exciting time for Irish aviation. The arrival of Etihad Airways to Ireland is a terrific opportunity for Ireland and Irish tourism. Visitors from the Middle East, Far East and Australia will be brought directly in to Ireland which not only makes their journey easier, but it also presents significant corporate and leisure opportunities for all the markets along the route.

Declan Collier said: "The DAA is delighted to support the launch of Etihad's new service to Abu Dhabi, which represents a significant milestone in connecting Dublin airport to a growing range of long-haul destinations."

Photo caption: (Left to right) Noel Dempsey T.D., Ireland's minister for transport and marine; Declan Collier, Dublin Airport Authority chief executive, and James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive celebrate the launch of Etihad's inaugural flight at Dublin airport.