Business travel leaders fly Etihad Airways

Details of the agreement were given at a press conference for GIBTM 2007, which was attended by HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

Taking place between 27 and 29 March 2007, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC), GIBTM will bring together more than 175 exhibitors from across the region and the key Asian, Mediterranean and European markets.

"GIBTM 2007 will provide an ideal forum for the industry to meet in Abu Dhabi, one of the world's finest business and leisure travel destinations," said Raymond Korban, regional general manager, UAE and Oman, Etihad Airways, speaking at the GIBTM press launch at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel.

"Etihad is delighted to be contributing to the growth of the UAE as a major destination for exhibitions and events, and GIBTM will be another ideal opportunity to show-case our state-of-the-art product."

The UAE's national airline has gained widespread global acclaim for its fully-flat Pearl zone business-bed, and facilities and services on-board the new fleet of purpose-built Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Pearl zone Guests can also enjoy a wealth of audio and video on demand (AVOD) on the 15 inch personal LCD video screen. There are also more than 200 music albums available, which increases by ten every month, and 68 international feature-length films.

Etihad also offers the revolutionary Diamond zone suite with seats that can turn 180 degrees enabling Guests to join together as a group for business or personal discussion.

The new Diamond zone suite is offered on board Etihad's new Airbus A340-500 which is in service on the airline's long haul routes, and from 26 October, will operate daily to New York's JFK airport.

"Etihad is well-respected within the corporate world for the distinct standards of hospitality and comfort we provide for our business travellers, and we look forward to welcoming the GIBTM delegates on our aircraft," continued Korban.

GIBTM is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

Etihad Airways is the exclusive official carrier for the Reed Travel Exhibitions for a period of five years covering the 2007-2011 events.