ETIHAD Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) national carrier, is increasing its Abu Dhabi-Manila flights from four to seven a week beginning next month.

Chief executive James Hogan said demand for flights to the Philippines from the Middle East is strong. Its Manila service was launched more than a year ago.

“Demand regularly outstrips supply on the Abu Dhabi to Manila service, especially in the economy cabin, which averages a 90 percent capacity, and therefore it is vital for the airline and our customers that [we are] able to achieve this increase in the number of flights,” he said.

Launched in February 2006, the Manila flights have been hugely successful with customers from the UAE’s large Filipino community, as well as leisure travelers on holiday in the Philippines.

Hogan said economic and tourism ties between the UAE and the Philippines are expected to strengthen further with the launch of the daily flights.

Etihad Airways will operate the daily flights in cooperation with Philippine Airlines (PAL) under a recently signed code share agreement. The agreement allows airlines to share seating capacity in a single aircraft and split revenues.

Etihad said this will enable its customers to book and travel seamlessly from Abu Dhabi to Manila and connect to other cities on PAL’s network, such as Cebu and Davao.

Etihad operates a two-cabin Boeing 777-300ER on the Manila-Abu Dhabi route. The aircraft is configured to carry 378 passengers—28 in Pearl business class and 350 in Coral economy class.

“As well as providing a key service for Filipinos working in the Middle East, the new daily flights will also have a significant impact on global customers visiting the Philippines on business,” Hogan added.

Juan Torres, Etihad country manager, said the improved connectivity between the Philippines and the UAE will further boost the already strong business and tourism potentials of both countries.

This will also address the ever-growing demand from Overseas Filipino workers. “We are proud that Etihad Airways can improve this key service for Filipinos working in the Middle East while opening up more opportunities for both business and tourism in the Philippines,” he added.

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Executive vice president Jose Pacifico E. Marcelo said these firms have sought the services of First Metro, the investment of Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., the nation’s largest lender.

Etihad Airways adds more flights

ETIHAD Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) national carrier, is increasing its Abu Dhabi-Manila flights from four to seven a week beginning next month.

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