Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Calgary, marking a milestone as travellers can now fly non-stop between Abu Dhabi and Calgary for the first time.
Sold-out flight EY29 touched down at Calgary International Airport on October 26, receiving a warm Western Canadian welcome.
A celebratory event was attended by representatives
from the Government of Alberta, the airport and tourism partners.
The new non-stop
service will operate four times a week on Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer
of Etihad Airways
said: "Some routes immediately feel significant, not simply because they
connect two destinations, but because of the opportunities they create. Calgary
is one of those routes.
“Today's
launch is a celebration of a new connection between three ambitious success
stories. As the world's fastest-growing airline, Etihad continues to invest in
its future through network expansion, fleet growth and an unwavering focus on
guest experience, underpinned by the ambition that has shaped both the
airline's evolution and Abu Dhabi's rise as a global destination and gateway.
Calgary shares that same forward-looking outlook, with a dynamic economy,
growing international connections and a strong spirit of innovation. Together,
they create a powerful new connection that opens opportunities for travellers, businesses,
and communities on both sides.
Whether
guests are travelling for adventure in Canada, for business in Alberta’s
dynamic economy, or to discover Abu Dhabi's rich culture and attractions, we
look forward to welcoming them with the warmth and care that define the Etihad
experience and delivering an exceptional journey at every stage of their
travels.
Calgary
represents an exciting new chapter in Etihad's growth story. We are proud to
mark this milestone alongside our partners and look forward to building a
long-lasting connection between Western Canada, Abu Dhabi and the destinations
across Etihad's global growing network.”
Joseph
Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration said: “The arrival of
Etihad Airways in Calgary is another sign of Alberta’s growing connections
around the world. Our recent trade missions are translating into commercial
momentum, reflecting confidence in our market and recognition of the value our
province offers. This new direct route to Abu Dhabi will help connect Alberta
businesses and travellers with new markets and opportunities across the Gulf
region and beyond, while supporting stronger trade, investment and tourism
ties. We are proud to welcome Etihad to Alberta.”
“Today, the distance between Calgary and Abu Dhabi feels a whole lot
shorter,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO, Calgary Airports. “With
Etihad’s arrival at YYC, we’re creating a direct link between two dynamic
regions as we open Calgary to the world and the world to Calgary. We’re proud
to see this partnership take flight and even prouder to welcome Etihad’s first
guests to Calgary.”
“This is a significant milestone as Calgary becomes more connected to the world than ever before,” said Alisha Reynolds, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary. “Calgary is a fast-growing, diverse city with incredible landscapes and experiences to discover. We’re thrilled to welcome more travellers from around the world with our signature warm, western hospitality that makes a trip to Calgary unforgettable.”
Calgary becomes Etihad's second destination
in Canada and its westernmost gateway, complementing the airline's
long-established Toronto service. -TradeArabia News Service
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