Etihad Regional opens in Zurich
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Swiss-based airline Etihad Regional was launched in Zurich opening up improved regional and international connections in Europe.
The new carrier will be operated by Switzerland’s Darwin Airline, which is headquartered in Lugano, Geneva. The first aircraft to feature Etihad Regional’s branding, is a 50-seat Saab 2000. The new livery will adorn all 10 aircraft in the fleet by end of June 2014.
James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways said: “Etihad Regional will provide a unique opportunity to strengthen important regional networks and connect them to the rapidly expanding global network of Etihad Airways.”
Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will acquire a 33.3% stake in Darwin Airline as part of its equity airline alliance strategy. Darwin Airline will become the seventh member of the international alliance and Etihad Airways’ fourth partner in Europe.
Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline, currently offers year round flights to 15 destinations in Europe using a fleet of 10 Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft. By mid-2014, these will more than double to 34 destinations. With these additions, the network will include seven European gateways served by Etihad Airways: Geneva, Amsterdam, Paris, Düsseldorf, Belgrade, Zurich (commencing in June 2014) and Rome (commencing in July 2014).
The partnership also makes provision for a phased approach to introducing codeshare agreements, subject to regulatory approval. In phase one Etihad Airways will place its EY code on 16 routes operated by Darwin Airline.
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