Etihad cuts fares up to 25% to Europe, Asia

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has slashed airfares by up to 25 per cent for 26 markets around the globe, said a press statement on Tuesday.

The airfares are applicable on Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class bookings made between May 1 and May 4, for travel between May 1 and May 31, 2012. All travel must be completed by May 31, the airline said in a statement sent to Emirates 24|7.

The reduced fares are available for purchase in: Bahrain; Bangladesh; Belgium; Cyprus; Germany; Iraq; Ireland; Italy; Jordan; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dammam only); Korea; Kuwait; Lebanon; Malaysia; Maldives; Morocco; Nepal; Oman; Pakistan; Qatar; South Africa; Sudan; Switzerland; Thailand; the UAE, and the United Kingdom. Applicable destinations will vary by market.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Savvy travellers understand that the period just before the summer holiday season is the perfect time to book a great value getaway. We are pleased to offer this very special, limited-time offer to our guests so that they may see the world from the comfort of our award-winning Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class, but without breaking the bank.”

Aer Lingus stake

Etihad confirmed today it had acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus.

The airline said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier.

Etihad Airways believes a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines.

Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July, 2007.

The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country.  It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal.

Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world.

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