Demand grows for India services

Services to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram started at the beginning of June and since then passenger figures on both routes have averaged more than 90 per cent across economy and business class.

Etihad also operates daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai and Etihad will look to boost its network further during the next 12 months as bilateral talks with the Indian government continue.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said: "India is one of Etihad's key global markets and the phenomenal success achieved so quickly by the Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram flights demonstrates the growing demand for our services."

In addition to the two Kerala flights increasing to daily in October, Etihad is also looking to start services to other major Indian destinations including Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Mr Hogan added: "Currently Etihad flies to four Indian destinations and ideally we would like to double this in the next few years in order to satisfy the huge demand from Indian customers across Etihad's flight network, which includes the UK, Canada and South Africa as well as the UAE."

To celebrate the launch of the new Kochi flights a delegation of senior Etihad officials, lead by James Hogan, has visited the city. During the two day visit the delegation hosted a reception as well as conducting several media activities.