20 May 2014 15:30
Etihad Regional today announced that it will introduce five new routes expanding the airline’s operations out of Zurich to eight destinations.
Building on its network expansion
strategy, Etihad Regional will commence daily services from Zurich to Linz
(Austria), Lyon (France) and Verona (Italy). From Zurich, the airline will also
operate to Düsseldorf (Germany) two times per week, and to Florence (Italy) four
times per week.
Etihad Regional already flies daily from
Zurich to Geneva and Leipzig-Halle, and recently launched three flights per week between
Zurich and Turin.
The addition of the five new routes will
bring Etihad Regional’s total network to 25 year-round destinations in Europe.
The airline will deploy its ATR 72-500 and Saab 2000 fleet on the new
routes. The ATR aircraft offers 68 seats in Economy Class, whilst the Saab aircraft
offers a total of 50 seats in a two-class configuration, with four Premium
Economy seats and 46 Economy Class seats.
Etihad Regional operates eight Saab 2000 aircraft and by June will add
four ATR 72-500 to its fleet.
Maurizio Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Regional, said: “We are excited to add these new routes to our
network, which will further strengthen the trade and tourism links in the
region and reinforce our position as a leading regional airline.
“The new services will provide additional
choice for business and leisure travellers flying to and from Zurich. Beyond
Zurich, our guests will be able to connect easily on Etihad Airways’ upcoming
daily Zurich-Abu Dhabi service, commencing from 1 June.”
To support the expansion, Etihad Regional
is hiring new staff members, including 16 captains, 16 first-officers, 40 cabin crew members and 30 ground
employees, bringing the airline’s total employee count to 320.
Peter Baumgartner, Vice Chairman designate of Etihad Regional, said: “We
are delighted to see the collaboration with Etihad Airways is strengthening
Etihad Regional’s business, opening new commercial opportunities, as well as
standardising its product and service.”
Flights beyond Abu Dhabi, offered by Etihad Airways and its equity
partners, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia connect well with destinations in
the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia.