New Etihad Crew Uniforms by Ettore Bilotta

Italian Haute Couturier Ettore Bilotta and multi-award winning photographer Norman Jean Roy unveil new Etihad Airways uniforms.

Created by Ettore Bilotta at his atelier in Milan, the new uniform exudes a classic elegance seldom seen in the aisles of modern airliners, and cleverly merges dramatic elements of old world haute couture from 1960s Paris and Rome, with the more contemporary fashions evident on the runways of London, New York, Milan and Tokyo.

The brief given to Bilotta by the airline was for a design which would represent timeless sophistication, glamour and elegance. The designer has succeeded in realising the airline's aspiration to reimagine flying by creating clothing which captures the understated style and innovation of Etihad Airways.

Key points about the new uniforms:

· Made from 100 per cent Italian wool, the uniforms feature an intricate jacquard design

· Uniquely, approximately 30 per cent of the outfits were handmade or hand-stitched

· The design merges dramatic elements of old world haute couture from 1960s Paris and Rome, with the more contemporary fashions evident on the runways

· A warm chocolate brown has been chosen as the base colour for the uniform, with a deep purple accent for cabin crew and lounge teams, and a burnt orange accent for ground crews and Special Services teams

· Hats worn by the crew are now more aerodynamic and 'retro', inspired by the iconic stars of the Hollywood Silver Screen and the sweeping formations of the Emirati desert sand dunes

· Bilotta has also taken the unusual step of breaking up the main primary shades by introducing all the secondary colours as accents on blouses and accessories

Norman Jean Roy, whose prolific career includes work for leading publications such as Vogue and Vanity Fair, leading fashion brands and Hollywood studios, was commissioned by the airline to capture a breath-taking set of images of the new collection. The photo-shoot took place on the majestic sand dunes of Abu Dhabi's Liwa desert and on location at the exclusive Qasr al Sarab desert resort.

Etihad Airways has also collaborated with leading make up experts MAC to provide their products for crew use at the airline's 'Style & Image Suites' at its Training Academy and its recently opened Innovation Training Academy.

Etihad Airways First Class Apartment Design Wins Top SBID Award

The game-changing design of Etihad Airways' new Airbus A380 First Class product, called First Apartments, has been recognised at the annual Society of British and International Design (SBID) Awards 2014, held at the Dorchester Hotel in London last week.

London based Acumen Design Associates, which forms part of the airline-led ‘Etihad Design Consortium’ (EDC), a collection of leading brand and design agencies tasked with creating the airline's new interiors, picked up the SBID's top award for designing the industry-leading new cabin.

The patent-pending design for Etihad Airways' new A380 First Class cabins was entered under the category of Best Entertainment Space but took home the most coveted award of the evening, Overall Design Award 2014.

The event is considered to be one of the most prestigious on the international design calendar and recognises design excellence across a broad range of 15 different categories. The SBID Awards are voted for by leading industry experts and business leaders and are judged for both technical content and aesthetic creativity using two tiers of judging.

Ian Dryburgh, CEO and Founder of Acumen Design Associates, said: "Etihad Airways’ First Apartment is the largest, most luxurious and highly customised First Class cabin in the sky, achieved via a revolutionary patent pending cabin layout designed exclusively for Etihad by Acumen Design Associates.

"We were briefed to design a First Class cabin based on Etihad's successful 'Inspired Service' and the extensive qualitative consumer research undertaken by Etihad - to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience which also embraces Arabian modernism."

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, commented: "I am thrilled that the work undertaken by Acumen for our stunning First Apartments has been recognised by the SBID. This accolade is testament to their world class service, from the initial concept designs based on our extensive international customer co-creation workshops, The Etihad Big Talks, to the final delivery of this elegant cabin."

Etihad Airways is installing nine First Apartments on each of the 10 Airbus A380s it has ordered, the first of which will enter service between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow on 27 December.

For the first time on a wide-body aircraft cabin, a single aisle configuration has been used in the upper deck First Class section, allowing the airline to install 'walk-in' living areas which include a Poltrona Frau armchair and separate 80.5 inch long bed, storage, a full length wardrobe, chilled mini-bar and a vanity unit. At 39 sqft, the First Apartment is 74 per cent larger in area than Etihad Airways' current industry leading First Class suites.

Founded in 1981, Acumen is a multidisciplinary design consultancy providing fresh insight and commercial advantage through innovation and enjoys an enviable reputation for delivering ground-breaking, highly innovative products to a customer base spanning multiple industries such as aviation, marine, life sciences and domestic and commercial product design.

Other finalists for the awards included a selection of the world's leading hotels, interior design projects, residential spaces, restaurants and bars, and public spaces among others.

Traveloscopy | 

"Etihad Airways Partners" launched

Six carriers to launch "Etihad Airways Partners".

Etihad Airways has just announced the debut of Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand which will "bring together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits".

The alliance wil launch with six members initially: Etihad itself, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Indian carrier Jet Airways and Darwin Airline.

"However any airline can become an Etihad Airways Partner even if it is part of an existing alliance," Etihad said, citing the example of airberlin which is part of oneworld.

Etihad equity partners (Etihad)

EY ceo James Hogan said: "We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other".

He said Etihad Airways Partners will differ from other airline alliances by offering benefits "well beyond pure commercial cooperation.

"The potential for network alignment to maximise flight connectivity for passengers, together with a shared passion for superior service, are central to the ethos of the Etihad Airways Partner concept," he said.

The initiative will remove the complexity and confusion for consumers that exists within the global alliances, Hogan added, with a key feature being "a consistent framework for earning and using their miles" such as standardised mileage and tier benefits across all partners, no blackout periods and priority services.

Etihad Airways Partners will also share sales teams in certain destinations, utilise joint procurement of services and supplies, and shared pilot and cabin crew training at the EY facilities in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways Perth Flights To Boost Trade And Tourism

The relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Western Australia was in sharp focus at an Australian Business Group-Etihad Airways lunch held in Abu Dhabi today. 

In a keynote speech, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, highlighted the importance to tourism and trade of the airline’s new route between Abu Dhabi and Perth.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, addresses the audience of more than 180 high-level guests at an Etihad Business lunch in Abu Dhabi.

The lunch was attended by a business delegation from Western Australia, comprising senior representatives from the oil and gas industry, who are visiting Abu Dhabi to explore business and trade opportunities.

Mr Hogan said Etihad Airways’ daily, non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Perth from 15 July would meet the strong demand for travel between the UAE and Western Australia.

“We are confident our new services will boost travel and trade between the UAE and Western Australia, and strengthen our presence in Australia, where we already serve Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with great success.”

Etihad Airways’ commitment to trade and tourism between Australia and the UAE will see its flights between the two countries rise from 28 to 35 per week. The new flights to Perth will deliver an additional 3,668 seats between Abu Dhabi and Australia and onto Etihad Airways’ global flight network.

Australia’s Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Pablo Kang, said: “Trade between the UAE and Australia is important and growing. Trade increased by 25 per cent in 2013 to AUD$6.4 billion, making the UAE Australia’s 13^th largest export market and 15^th largest trading partner worldwide.”

Trade Commissioner of the Western Australian Trade Office – MENA, Pankaj Savara, said: “The new service will bring more visitors and tourists to the State and help develop Perth as a major international air tourism and transport hub. It will also help open new markets, enhance Western Australia’s economy and encourage students from the Middle East to study at Perth universities and education institutions.”

Etihad Airways will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 262 seats – 22 seats in Pearl Business Class and 240 in Coral Economy Class – on the route.

(Left to right) Ellecia Saffron, Australian Business Group of Abu Dhabi Chairman; His Excellency Pablo Kang, Australia’s Ambassador to the UAE; Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways Vice President UAE, and Pankaj Savara,Commissioner Western Australian Trade Office – Middle East Africa, at an Etihad Business lunch in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Flight Report

Flight report Date: October 18.
Seat 23H
Flight EY461 Etihad from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi

Etihad A340

I suppose it is inevitable that comparisons will be made between this flight and the Emirates 777 economy service to Dubai. Having done both now I would say they are fairly level pegging apart from the fact that Etihad uses an A340 600 with a 2 4 2 configuration – much preferable to Emirates 3 4 3 for couples.

A340 Seat Plan

The A340 is very quiet and surprisingly comfortable – even on a 14 hour leg. Clients wanting to stopover will prefer Dubai – you can head to Abu Dhabi and then take the bus – but why? Sure Abu Dhabi also has shopping and attractions like Ferrari World – but Dubai city is something straight out of a science fiction movie – you just have to see it. The shopping malls are also out of this world.

While boarding was orderly and relaxed, the experience was spoiled a little at check-in. I had booked through Virgin Australia using points and pay - and assumed travel on a major partner airline would be seamless. No such luck. First the check-in guy had to call Virgin - then the airport duty manager got involved and eventually phoned Abu Dhabi for approval.

Meanwhile we went for a long walk - it was that or be stabbed in the back by the anxious horde waiting to be checked in. Finally all was fixed - but it took about 40 minutes. The bad news is this was not an isolated incidence - the res supervisor said and I quote: "This happens every time." Over to you, Mr Borghetti. The welcoming crew were bright and chatty and flight EY461 left Melbourne on time.

Note that the bins above the window seats are smaller than the centre aisle. Safety instructions are via animated video and crew demos. The entertainment screens are a good size and the touch system really easy and simple to use. Hot movie was Man of Steel – which my wife described as a bummer. There is plenty more though; 675 hours of entertainment. Emirates ICE is also great – but the touch controls don’t always work all that well.

About a half hour out hot paper towels were served and dinner started 40 minutes later. Fiona’s vegetarian ratatouille arrived –chickpea patty with sweet potato and beans served with warm bread and a crisp salad. I had Moroccan beef casserole in couscous – not the most appealing looking dish but quite tasty thanks mostly to the black olives.

I was pleased to see Australian products were used including Angas Park prunes, Bega cheese and Arnotts biscuits. The meals are medium in size – the other noteworthy point is that steel utensils are used. I had a glass of red wine – soft French style – and asked for another when the trays were taken but the bottle had gone. To her credit the hostie did fill my glass later. Breakfast was scrambled eggs with the lot – fine for me but Fiona’s vegetarian meal did not arrive.

We arrived a little early. To summarise: Apart from the hiccup at check-in, smooth, good value flying.

Etihad Airways Brings an Aerial Spectacular to Sydney Opera House's 40th Birthday

An Etihad Airways Airbus A340-600 (registration A6-EHK)
performs an historic fly past of Sydney Opera House for the iconic venue's 40th birthday.

An Etihad Airways Airbus A340-600 has performed a low-altitude aerial salute to Sydney Opera House as part of the iconic venue's 40th birthday celebrations.

The aircraft operating the commemorative flight - EY9240 - flew at approximately 2000 feet over the World Heritage-listed venue and along the Sydney Harbour foreshore at 10.50am (Australian Eastern Summer Time).

The fly past was watched by more than 10,000 who had gathered at Sydney Opera House for a special 'Cake and A Song' event to celebrate the venue's actual birthday.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer said: "As a partner of Sydney Opera House we are delighted to be part of its 40th birthday celebrations.

"On behalf of the Etihad Airways' 16,500 staff worldwide, I extend our best wishes to the Government of New South Wales, Sydney Opera House Trust, and the people of Sydney on this special occasion.

"We are immensely proud to be the official international airline of Sydney Opera House and to support its mission to create, produce and present the most acclaimed, imaginative and engaging performing arts experiences from Australia and around the world."

In command of the historic flight on A6-EHK (the aircraft registration) was chief pilot of the airline's A340/330 fleet, Captain Giorgio Evangelisti. He was joined in the cockpit by Captain Gregory McCarthy and First Officer John Redward.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is a major partner of the world-renowned performing arts venue which is famously located at Bennelong Point on the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Its sponsorship of Sydney Opera House is the airline's most valuable and most significant arts and cultural investment worldwide.

Etihad Airways expands Australia operations

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has outlined a range of major changes to its Australian operations, including new aircraft, new routes, additional flights and new airport facilities.

The airline’s plans for Australia include the launch of the Airbus A380 on routes from Sydney and Melbourne to Abu Dhabi and the construction of premium lounges at Sydney and Melbourne Airports from 2014.

Additional flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Abu Dhabi will also be launched, along with the commencement of non-stop flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways – considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards - is also increasing its equity in Virgin Australia, following recent approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board to increase from a ten per cent shareholding to 19.9 per cent.

“Virgin Australia is a key member of our ever-expanding airline equity alliance, and Etihad Airways is an active and long-term investor in Virgin,” explained Etihad chief executive James Hogan.

““We have a significant presence in Australia, with 28 weekly departures, annual expenditure of over $100 million, direct employment of 106 staff and engagement of 415 local contractors.

“The Virgin Australia partnership enables us to connect with 45 destinations in Australia, New Zealand and south-east Asia, while we reciprocate by providing connections via our Abu Dhabi hub to a wide range of destinations in Europe, UK, Ireland and Africa.”

Hogan said the Etihad Airways equity alliance – an alternative to legacy airline alliances – now had five members, following a deal last week to invest in Serbia’s national airline.

Etihad Airways is also awaiting regulatory approval for investment in a sixth airline, India’s Jet Airways, which gives the equity alliance a combined total of more than 420 destinations, 500 aircraft and more than 96 million passengers each year.

Etihad Airways Supports Arab Film Festival Australia

Etihad Airways continues to support the international promotion of Arabic arts and culture by again sponsoring the Arab Film Festival Australia in 2013. 

This year’s program showcases diverse stories from the Arab world with screenings of 11 high-quality films by Arab filmmakers from Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Saudi Arabia.

The festival opened in Sydney this evening and will tour two other Australian cities – Canberra and Melbourne – in July.

Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said the airline was proud to be entering its sixth year of festival sponsorship.

“As the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways is committed to bringing modern Arabic culture to the world and to showcase the work of gifted Arab filmmakers from diverse communities and perspectives.

“We are particularly pleased to make a small but important contribution to making Arabic stories more accessible to Australians through the medium of film-making.”

Arab Film Festival Australia co-director Fadia Abboud said the festival organisers were excited to be working with Etihad Airways once again to promote Arab cinema in Australia.

“Etihad Airways connects Arab culture and experiences with the world, so it was a natural fit for us to work with the airline to bring Arab storytelling to Australian audiences.

“We anticipate that this year’s festival will bring together diverse audiences and will create a space for issues to be debated, discussed and explored for their artistic, political and social impacts.”

The festival is produced by Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) and driven by an organising committee representing Australia’s diverse Arabic-speaking communities and cultures.

For more information about the festival visit www.arabfilmfestival.com.au

South African Airways and Etihad Airways Forge Strategic Partnership

• South African Airways to codeshare on 12 Etihad Airways flights from South Africa to Abu Dhabi and beyond;
• Etihad Airways to have access to 10 cities in South Africa and African continent;
• Airlines to explore joint procurement, training and maintenance opportunities;
• Provision for reciprocal ‘earn and burn’ with frequent flyer programs.

South African Airways (SAA) and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing the two airlines to introduce a comprehensive range of codeshare and interline air services as well as exploration of synergy and efficiency opportunities.

Initially South African Airways will place its ‘SA’ code on 12 Etihad Airways destinations flying from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier’s Abu Dhabi home-base. Additional cities in the Middle East, Asia and India will be added as the necessary approvals are secured.

In return Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on flights from Johannesburg to 10 SAA destinations across South Africa, Africa and South America. The agreement also provides for passengers to earn and redeem miles through the two airlines’ frequent flyer programs.

Tim Clyde-Smith, South African Airway’s Country Manager for Australasia said the new commercial agreement will give SAA access to the majority of Etihad Airways’ global markets.

”We are delighted at this opportunity to explore and build upon the commercial areas of the agreement which are fundamental to any modern airline partnership. This partnership provides our customers with seamless access to 12 key destinations in the Middle East and beyond from Africa and will broaden our network through alliances and strategic partnerships that reflect our long-term business strategy,” Tim said.

“This move aligns with SAA’s strategy to build its global network with strong global and regional partners and to continue to develop our reach to meet customers’ increasingly diverse needs,” he said.

The first phase of the agreement will see the ‘SA’ code placed on the Etihad Airways flights between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi, as well as on flights to 12 cities on Etihad Airways’ worldwide network that includes destinations in the Middle East, and South America.

Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on South African Airways’ flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth, as well as to Livingstone, Lusaka and Ndola in Zambia and Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Outside the African continent Etihad Airways will place its code on SAA flights to Sao Paulo. Collectively, the two airline groups expect to carry more than 20 million passengers in 2013.

Note for editor: SAA has daily non-stop flights between Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg, with direct connections to the largest network in Africa. SAA is consistently voted the 'Best Airline & Cabin Crew in Africa' winning it for the 16th consecutive year in the Travel Weekly Globe Awards in London. SAA took out top honours at the recent WTA awards in London, with three awards in the Africa category. SAA is a member of STAR, the world’s largest alliance offering more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.

For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or see www.flysaa.com.au

G Adventures and Etihad - Famil of fun

 

This is from a recent G Adventures and Etihad Airways famil to Kenya and Uganda for Student Flights.  Agents enjoyed a 9-day G Adventures trip to Kenya and Uganda - the highlights were spotting the Big 5 in the Masai Mara and gorilla trekking in Uganda.

 

Image:

 

Left to right:

 

Farie Bezuidenhout - SF Chadstone

Glenda Tam - Etihad Airways

Anthony Buccat - SF Hawthorn

Matt Drummond - G Adventures

Hollie Maynard - SF Innaloo, 

Prue Eltringham - SF Charlestown

Jodie Heathcote - SF Alexandra Headlands

Andrew Malon - SF Product Qld,

Sophie WilsonSF Sydney Central,

Sarah MillerSF Flinders St,

Luke Witteveen SF Randwick

Nicole Rodgers SF Knox City

Gemma Carlaw SF Newtown

James Johnson SF UQ

Edmund Kiprono G Adventures CEO

Nick Potter - SF Oxford St

 

 

$6m marketing deal for Tourism Australia and Etihad

Source: Travel Daily

Tourism Australia and Etihad have just confirmed a new Memorandum of Understanding which will see them together invest $6 million marketing Australia over the next three years.

The alliance will target visitors from the Middle East, UK and Europe, with EY ceo James Hogan saying that Australia is strategically important to the carrier and contributes "significantly" to the Etihad bottom line.

"We not only have 16 per cent of our global seat capacity dedicated to the route, but also major investments in community assets like Melbourne's Etihad Stadium," he said.

Hogan added that Etihad and its partnerships with airberlin, Air France-KLM, Alitalia and Czech Airlines were tapping into Tourism Australia-created demand throughout Europe for business and leisure travel to Australia.

"On top of that, our partnership with Virgin Australia adds another powerful dimension to the marketing of Australian tourism," he added.

TA md Andrew McEvoy said Etihad was clearly committed to Australia, feeding increasing numbers of passengers onto flights headed here via its Abu Dhabi hub, "particularly from Australia's traditional high volume markets of the UK and Europe".

He said that in line with continuing efforts to speak with 'one voice' in international marketing, Tourism Australia and Etihad would jointly seek involvement of the states and territories in future cooperative campaigns.

More information in today's Travel Daily.

ETIHAD PILOT QUALIFIES TO BECOME FIRST FEMALE CAPTAIN

Etihad Airways is celebrating the maiden commercial flight of its first female Captain, Sophie Blanchard.

Captain Blanchard, a French national, took the controls of the left hand seat in the flight deck for the first time yesterday on flight EY17 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow.

She joined Etihad in 2007 as a First Officer, after initially flying for Etihad Crystal Cargo with Air Atlanta. Since joining Etihad, Captain Blanchard completed the necessary training and passed the rigorous checks to gain her fourth stripe.

Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways' Chief Operations Officer, said: "We congratulate Sophie on becoming Etihad's first female Captain. It's a great achievement and well deserved as she has shown tremendous dedication to achieve the rank of Captain."

Etihad currently has 10 female pilots within its ranks and four female cadet pilots.

Captain Blanchard said: "The Company has been very supportive in my aim to become Etihad's first female Captain and the first woman to take full command of a commercial flight."

Captain Blanchard started her aviation training after graduating from high school. She gained her commercial license at 18 years old in the US and began flying cargo aircraft for a Belgium-based company.

Her work took her to Africa and around Europe before she joined Icelandic company Air Atlanta. At Air Atlanta Captain Blanchard began flying leased flights for Etihad Crystal Cargo. She has accrued more than 6,500 hours of flying time.