Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has announced plans to launch the first-ever direct flight between the UAE and Calgary, creating a new strategic air link between the Middle East and Western Canada.
Launching on 3 November, the route marks another step in Etihad Airways’ global expansion and supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions to boost international trade, tourism and investment.
This new service will directly link two globally recognized centers of energy, innovation and culture, strengthening economic ties while creating new opportunities for business and leisure travelers alike.
It connects Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing economy and culture with Calgary’s role as a center for energy, advanced manufacturing and innovation, creating a direct corridor for corporate travel, trade engagement and sector collaboration.
For leisure travelers, this route connects two very distinctive destinations. Travelers from Canada will have direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, unique experiences, coastal resorts and year-round sunshine, while travelers from the UAE and across Etihad Airways’ global network will be able to explore Calgary’s vibrant city life and position as a gateway to Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, home to some of North America’s most iconic natural landscapes.
Following recent route announcements such as Luxembourg and Parma, Calgary becomes Etihad Airways’ latest addition to its long-haul network.
Each new destination reflects the airline’s strategy to expand the range of destinations available to travelers from the UAE and across Etihad Airways’ international network, while developing new markets with clear economic, trade and tourism links.
Unveiling this big plan, CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “The launch of the Abu Dhabi-Calgary route is an important and historic step in Etihad Airways’ global expansion. By creating the only non-stop flight between the Middle East and Western Canada, we will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment, while offering travelers direct access to two distinctive destinations of global importance.”
“This is an exciting announcement for us, bringing together two remarkable locations. For Canadian travelers, it will open up direct access to Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and year-round experiences, while guests from the UAE and across our network will have seamless access to the natural beauty of Calgary and Western Canada. This is a route designed to stimulate two-way tourism and deepen the bonds between our regions,” he added.
“We are proud to partner with Etihad Airways to connect our two great cities,” said Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of Calgary Airports. “This direct route is key to connecting the region’s leisure and business travelers to key locations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and a wealth of links around the world.”
The route will be operated by Etihad Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, equipped with the latest award-winning wide-body business and economy cabins.
Designed for long-haul comfort, the aircraft flies one of the longest routes in Etihad’s network, offering Etihad’s signature service, onboard experience and onboard hospitality.
The launch further strengthens Etihad’s presence in North America and complements existing services to Charlotte, along with Toronto, New York and Chicago, scheduled to begin in March. -TradeArabia News Service
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