Etihad Airways is supporting India Aviation 2016 this week by proudly showcasing two of its newest aircraft – a Boeing 787 passenger jet and Boeing 777 freighter – at the country’s premier civil aviation exhibition and air show being held in Hyderabad.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of five in the airline’s fleet, will be joined by a freighter on static display during the event attended by key government and aviation industry stakeholders from India and around the world. The five-day show at Begumpet Airport in southern India runs from March 16 to 20.

Organised by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event provides Etihad Airways with another platform to engage with policy makers, business leaders, aviation experts and others across the aviation industry.

India is one of Etihad Airways’ key markets with 175 scheduled passenger flights each week being operated across 11 cities from the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub. With strategic Indian partner Jet Airways, Etihad Airways has a combined 254 weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and 15 cities across India. Together, both carriers are the largest international operator of scheduled flights to and from India, with a 20 per cent market share.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "This week’s India Aviation show in Hyderabad enables Etihad Airways to show our unwavering support for trade and tourism in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

"Our new Boeing 787 passenger aircraft and Boeing 777 freighter will provide visitors with an opportunity to see firsthand the latest additions to our fleet. With our equity partner Jet Airways exhibiting, our combined presence and strength demonstrates the prominence we give to the rapidly developing Indian market.

"Since our first flight into India 12 years ago, Etihad Airways has supported trade, commerce and job creation, as well as contributed to the tourism industry. Our passenger flights have given the travelling public from India greater choice and more connectivity to destinations worldwide over our Abu Dhabi hub."

Added Mr Hogan: "Our cargo operation too has grown rapidly to support India’s manufacturing industry and exports, today making us a strong partner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative."

Etihad Airways’ presence in Hyderabad also reaffirms the strong ties between the UAE and India. The UAE is the 10th biggest foreign – and largest Arab – investor in India.
Source:WAM