Etihad to launch services to Bangalore

Etihad Airways will launch flights to its eighth destination in India and 66th destination worldwide, the city of Bangalore, India.

On January 1, 2011, Etihad will commence a four flight per week service to Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka and the country's third most populous city. Etihad will begin daily flights to Bangalore at the commencement of the summer scheduling season effective March 27, 2011.

James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to launch our new service to Bangalore and to serve our customers in Karnataka.

“Etihad is committed to serving the Indian market and people, whether it is Indian nationals who are residing in India or in countries across the world. Abu Dhabi and Bangalore are both growing cities, emerging as major economic hubs and the new service will further enable commercial ties to develop between India and the UAE.”

Commenting on the launch of the new service, Marcel Hungerbuehler, President of Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL), said: “Our focus has always been on ensuring that we provide our passengers with better connectivity between Bangalore and the rest of the world.

“We are thrilled with the introduction of Etihad’s service and congratulate the entire team for introducing the service to Bangalore. The new services will take us a step closer to achieving our vision of becoming the international gateway to the South of India, as well as enabling us to offer passengers more travel options and cabin classes to choose from.”

Etihad will operate a two class Airbus A320 on the new Bangalore route configured to carry 136 passengers with 16 in Business class and 120 in Economy class.