ADAC welcomes the inaugural flight of RAK Airways

RAK Airways, the main carrier of Ras Al Khaimah, has launched four direct flights a week between the Capital's Airport (AUH) and Ras Al Khaimah Airport (RKT).

H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman DCA,H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Qaid Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development of Ras Al Khaimah and the RAK Airways CEO, Mr. John Brayford, arrived in Abu Dhabi today onboard the first domestic flight and were greeted at Abu Dhabi International Airport by ADAC CEO, James E. Bennett, and Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operation Officer of ADAC.

James E. Bennett, CEO of ADAC, said:
"ADAC is pleased to see more domestic routes use Abu Dhabi International Airport, helping domestic travelers to reach hundreds of global destinations with ease. In addition, domestic flights from the Capital's international airport will also provide international guests with an opportunity to explore other emirates in the UAE. ADAC is proud to offer its award winning services to RAK Airways and to provide the airline with the tools it needs to offer frequent short-haul flights that provide maximum efficiency and convenience for domestic passengers."

RAK Airways comes to Abu Dhabi International Airport with a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE. The codeshared operation will provide RAK Airways passengers easy access to Etihad's worldwide network when traveling from Abu Dhabi.

John Brayford, CEO of RAK Airways said: "Our pioneering codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, which begins today, has certainly created a buzz in the marketplace. We are delighted with the high level of interest shown and this augurs well for the future success of the Abu Dhabi route. I would like to thank everyone involved, especially Abu Dhabi Airports Company and the various Regulatory Authorities, for their support and cooperation without which our first flight today would not have been the success that it is."

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are proud to welcome RAK Airways, a fellow UAE airline, as a codeshare partner. This is the first time Etihad Airways will have its 'EY' code on a domestic UAE flight, which is an exciting milestone for us. We look forward to welcoming air travelers through Abu Dhabi and onto international flights across the Etihad Airways network."

RAK Airways flights will be offered on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday each week departing from Abu Dhabi at 10:00 am and from Ras Al Khaimah at 6:40 am, with plans to increase operations to daily flights between the two emirates by the end of 2012.