Etihad Airways launches its first branded regional operation

UAE national carrier Etihad Airways recently launched its first branded regional operation heralding a ‘step-change in global aviation’. This has become possible after the leading Middle Eastern carrier acquired a minority 33.3 percent stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline. The airline’s move is aimed at offering varied travel options and availability of plane tickets at competitive rates.

Etihad Airways’ completion of the minority investment is still subject to regulatory approval. After its formal approval the Darwin Airline will take steps to rebrand its operations as Etihad Regional and subsequently align its network to connect customers from secondary European markets onto the main networks of Etihad Airways and its equity alliance partners.

A spokesman of Etihad Airways said that the airline will be launching its daily flight services between Abu Dhabi and Zurich starting from June 1, 2014. The airline said that Abu Dhabi and Zurich will be made main operating hubs of Darwin Airline.
 
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said that this was a remarkable move and a step-change for the UAE national airline. He said that the new partnership with Darwin Airline will help create a unique approach to network development for global airlines.