Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced changes to its flight schedule to South Korea that will deliver improved connectivity over its Abu Dhabi hub and access to more destinations.

The changes will see Etihad Airways move to a same-time-daily flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Seoul (Incheon). The airline’s current Abu Dhabi-Seoul flight schedule is split; with different departure times on different days of the week.

From January 2013, Etihad Airways flight EY876 will depart Abu Dhabi at 10.05pm and arrive at Seoul’s Incheon airport at 11.45am the next day. Flight EY873 will depart Seoul (Incheon) at 00.45am and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 6.50am the same day.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said the new schedule would enhance the airline’s appeal to travelers on the South Korean route and contribute to sustainable profitability.

”The schedule changes in early 2013 will boost connectivity over the Abu Dhabi hub and deliver major customer benefits.

“Travelers will have more choice, convenience and flexibility – particularly for travel between South Korea and the GCC, Middle East, Africa and Europe, and South America when Sao Paulo comes online in July 2013.”

Mr Hogan predicted the new schedule would attract new customer segments that were emerging with closer political and commercial ties between the UAE and South Korea.

“With more than 5000 South Korean nationals living and working in the region, and a growing number of Korean and Emirati enterprises – like Korean Electric Power Corporation and Abu Dhabi Ship Building – engaging in major infrastructure and development projects, South Korea is very important to the UAE and to Etihad Airways.”

Mr Hogan also highlighted fresh opportunities for growing leisure travel to South Korea from the GCC, the Middle East and Europe.

“There is huge potential to work with our partners in the travel and tourism sector network-wide to grow tourism to South Korea, which is a country rich in history and centuries-old cultural traditions.”

The January 2013 schedule change will see an upgrade of aircraft type, from a three-class Airbus A330-300 to a larger Airbus A340-500 configured with 12 seats in Diamond First class, 28 seats in Pearl Business class, and 200 seats in Coral Economy class.

“Upgrading the aircraft we use on the route to our modern, state-of-the-art Airbus A340-500 will increase the total number of seats we offer, including our award-winning Diamond First class product.

“This will give more travelers the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of our private suites and the unparalleled fine dining experience of our exclusive Onboard Chefs,” James Hogan added.

Etihad Airways commenced daily services to Seoul (Incheon) on 10 December 2010 with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The airline currently employs a total of 159 Korean nationals across its global network. This includes 28 Abu Dhabi-based pilots and 109 cabin crew. Etihad Airways has a codeshare agreement with Asiana Airlines (OZ), the major airline of South Korea, for flights between Seoul (Incheon) and Abu Dhabi and beyond.

 

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