Etihad is to launch an “All Economy” service that is free of “First Class” as from October.
Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, will introduce its first ‘all economy’ class aircraft into its fleet in October 2010. The two Airbus A320s will be configured to carry 162 economy class passengers, an increase of 42 from the current economy capacity.
The all economy cabin aircraft will operate to short haul Etihad destinations, which have high demand for economy traffic and low demand for premium traffic. Initially these will be Alexandria, Calicut, Colombo, Damascus, Doha and Thiruvananthapuram.
Plans are in place to expand the all economy fleet to 10 A320 aircraft which will enable the airline to launch new short haul destinations which have low demand for premium travel and also to existing Etihad destinations.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad has grown at a remarkable pace during the past six and a half years. We have built a strong brand and a robust business, and it is the right time to challenge the way we serve our various markets and segments.
“Our all economy aircraft will allow us to offer a more competitive product in key point-to-point markets in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, while maintaining the high standards of service we have become known for.”
Customers travelling on the new ‘all economy’ aircraft will receive the same world class service and product that is featured on the current narrow body fleet, such as seat back in-flight entertainment screens and hot and cold meals and beverages. Each seat has a 32 inch pitch.
Etihad Airways is fully committed to conducting business in ways which ensure the responsible management of the effect that they have on our environment. Through the adoption of their environmental policy, their partnership with the Masdar future energy initiative and the make-up of their fuel efficient fleet, they are focused on abiding by the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.
In March 2009, Etihad signed an agreement with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative, establishing a range of activities to reduce the airline’s carbon footprint through sustainable and energy efficient measures.
Masdar will support the development of carbon management solutions to ensure Etihad’s compliance with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, which comes into effect for aviation in 2012, and will also support the Etihad’s voluntary carbon reduction initiatives.
In addition, Masdar will work with Etihad to enhance the airline’s waste management plans and energy saving initiatives.
It is fantastic to see the use of “All Economy” aircrafts. With maximum usage of space, Etihads aircrafts will be flying fuel efficient if you take into account the fuel consumption per passenger per square meterage of space.
For more information on “All Economy” flights, visit Etihad Airways.
Source: Etihad Airways
Editorial Director
