08 Mar 2016 14:00
The Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2016 began today in spectacular fashion with two Etihad Airways’ Extra EA 330 LT Trainer aircraft conducting an aerial ribbon-cutting during an acrobatic display at Al Bateen Airport, Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Air Expo is just one event that is
taking place during Abu Dhabi Aviation Week 2016, which runs from 6 to 12 March
2016.
Other events include a two-day Global Aerospace Summit which
has attracted leaders and specialists from throughout the aviation industry. It
also includes exhibitions on unmanned systems and military simulations and
training, and a Middle East Aviation Careers Conference and Exhibition, which
will focus on the current and future recruitment needs of the Middle East
aviation industry.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’
President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Abu Dhabi Air Expo serves as a global focal point and platform for showcasing the latest
products and innovations within the industry, and has attracted much interest from leading aviation specialists
across the Middle East and around the world.”
As official airline for Abu Dhabi Aviation Week 2016, Etihad
Airways is flying in visitors from across its
network, with an expected 20,000 delegates attending the various high-profile conferences
and exhibitions, which feature around 300 exhibitors from more than 55
countries, and 150 aircraft on static display.
A highlight of this display includes an Etihad
Airways’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to showcase the innovative and
award-winning products and services aboard its flagship aircraft, including its
revolutionary First, Business and Economy Class cabins – which have been
designed to greatly enhance the guest experience and bolster the airline’s
position as one of the world’s leading airlines.
Etihad Airways is also displaying an
A320 aircraft that has been re-configured to incorporate 12 lie-flat Business Class seats to cater
for the requirements of the busy regional charter market.
Alongside are the two new Extra EA 330 LT aircraft that took
part in the opening acrobatic display, which have just joined the fleet of
trainer aircraft at the Etihad Flight College to assist cadet pilots in their
training.
Visitors to the Air Expo will also be able visit the Etihad
Airways stand to experience the highly acclaimed The Residence, which is exclusively
available on the airline's fleet of A380 aircraft. Comprising a living room,
double bedroom, separate ensuite shower room, discerning Residence guests are
provided with a dedicated Savoy Academy trained Butler to look after their
every need while on board.
To support the growing numbers of young Emirati students
interested in pursuing a career in the UAE’s growing aviation industry, Etihad
Airways also has a booth at the Middle East Aviation Careers Conference and
Exhibition, which is being held for the first time as part of Abu Dhabi
Aviation Week.
In line with the theme for Abu Dhabi Aviation Week, “Building the Future of Aerospace through
Innovation”, delegates to the various events are also able to tour the
Etihad Innovation Centre to see the two highly detailed, life-size mock-ups of the cabins
inside the airline’s A380 and B787 aircraft, featuring the new Economy Smart Seats, Business Studios, First Suites (B787), First
Apartments and The
Residence. Visitors
are also able to view a model
of the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The tours will be conducted daily at 09.00,
11.00 and 13.00 throughout Abu Dhabi Aviation Week, and delegates wishing to
participate should forward their name, designation, company, passport copy, and
preferred tour time and contact information to caroline@smg-online.com.