First Etihad passenger plane lands in Israel

The first Etihad Airways commercial flight arrived at Ben- Gurion Airport early Monday morning.

The Greenliner 787 arrived to bring a travel trade mission of tourism industry leaders, corporate decision- makers, travel agents, cargo agents and media representatives to experience Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The invitation was made by Etihad Airways and representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry.

This comes ahead of launching a regular route between Israel and the UAE. On Sunday, the Transportation Ministry and the Emirati Transportation Ministry announced an agreement between the two countries that will allow commercial flights. In the first stage, there will be some 28 weekly flights between the two countries, they said.

This is the latest development in the growing cooperation between the two nations following the establishment of diplomatic ties and the signing of the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel in Washington on September 15. It also follows El Al’s first symbolic commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi on August 31.

“Today’s flight is a historic opportunity for the development of strong partnerships here in the UAE and in Israel, and Etihad as the national airline, is delighted to be leading the way,” Etihad Aviation Group chairman Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei said. “We are just starting to explore the long- term potential of these newly forged relationships, which will be sure to greatly benefit the economies of both nations, particularly in the areas of trade and tourism, and ultimately the people who call this diverse and wonderful region home.”

Last week, Etihad Airways launched a website in Hebrew, aiming to attract Israeli customers.