Etihad launch Japanese routes.

Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has announced its intention to operate to Japan, namely to the markets of Nagoya and Tokyo Narita.

Etihad will begin services to Nagoya from February 1st, however this will be an extension of its current AUH-PEK service. This route will be operated on a 4x weekly rotation with A330 aircraft.

The second of its proposed routes will be a non stop service from Abu Dhabi to Narita, operated from March 27th and on a 5x weekly rotation also with A330 aircraft. The two new routes are subject to regulatory approval.

There is currently no schedule service between Abu Dhabi and Nagoya. By securing 5th freedom access from Beijing to Narita Etihad will compete on what is considered a trunk route. Already operating the city pairs are Air China, All Nippon, Northwest Airlines, Japan Airlines and PIA.