Etihad celebrates first anniversary of Brussels Toronto route

Launched in October 2005 the three times-a-week service to Toronto, via the Belgian capital, has established itself as one of the Abu Dhabi-based airline's most popular routes with an average passenger load factor of more than 72 percent.

The outstanding results come as Etihad prepares to launch its second North American destination, New York City, on 26 October, continuing the impressive expansion of its global network of flights.

"The success of Etihad's Brussels and Toronto service demonstrates that our Guests really value the superior levels of hospitality and comfort they receive with when flying with Etihad," said James Hogan, Etihad's new CEO.

"One of Etihad's key ambitions is to link the world's major commercial destinations, and this has been achieved with many Guests travelling from Toronto or Brussels to our Asian destinations such as Bangkok or Jakarta."

Etihad's successful Guest numbers on the Brussels - Toronto route extends throughout all three zones on the luxuriously appointed Airbus A330-200 which is in operation on the route.

The aircraft is configured to hold 18 Guests in Diamond zone, 36 Guests in Pearl, and 171 Guests in Coral zone, with a 45 percent average load factor in Pearl and an 82 percent load factor in Coral.

"When travelling long haul its vital that Guests arrive at their destination feeling relaxed and refreshed which is why Etihad offers all our Guests, regardless of the zone they are travelling in, the most advanced in-flight product available," continued Hogan.

"These figures show that Etihad has established a loyal network of Guests on this sector, whether they are travelling in Diamond, Pearl or Coral zone."

Etihad Airways flight EY 501 departs from Abu Dhabi to Brussels at 13.20 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday arriving at 1825. After landing in Brussels the aircraft then departs for Toronto at 1940, arriving in Canada at 22.10.

Returning Etihad flight EY 502 departs from Toronto at 2340 hours arriving in Brussels at 1310. The aircraft departs Brussels for Abu Dhabi at 14.25 (the next day), arriving in the UAE at 23.10.