Etihad Regional takes to the skies
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Etihad Regional has launched its first commercial flight.
The inaugural service took off from Geneva on Thursday 23 January 2014, on a flight to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. The flight was operated using a 50-seat Saab 2000 – the first aircraft to feature the Etihad Regional livery.
All 10 aircraft in the Etihad Regional fleet will feature the new livery by the end of June 2014.
“This is a very exciting day for us and we are thrilled that Etihad Regional’s first flight was operated on this critical route linking the two important cities of Geneva and Rome,” said Maurizio Merlo, CEO of Darwin Airline.
“I am confident that this is the beginning of a very successful collaboration, which will benefit the customers of both airlines. Etihad Regional will gain significant connectivity opportunities, an improved brand experience, and benefit from the experience of Etihad Airways,” he added.
Etihad announced plans to take a 33.3% stake in Switzerland’s Darwin Airline late last year, in the latest phase of its strategy of expansion through acquisitions.
“Integrating Etihad Regional into our equity alliance is consistent with our approach to expansion, which relies on the strength of strategic partnerships across the globe,” said James Hogan, president & CEO of Etihad. “This partnership will have a positive impact, stimulating regional competition in Europe and ultimately benefiting travellers across the globe.”
Etihad Regional will initially serve a network of 15 European destinations, but plans to expand to 34 by mid-2014, including several major European airports served by Etihad Airways. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad will then codeshare on several routes operated by the regional carrier.
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