Etihad flies low to celebrate 10 years

abu dhabi — Etihad Airways continued its 10th anniversary celebrations on Sunday by sending one of its aircraft on a fly-by over the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which was followed by a fireworks display from a dhow boat near the Breakwater.

The A340-55 took off from the Abu Dhabi Airport at 5.10pm, flying over the city’s coastline and reached the corniche at about 5.30pm before returning to the airport.

Etihad Airways’ chief pilot Giorgio Evangelisti flew the aircraft at an altitude of just 600 feet on its coastal route across some of Abu Dhabi’s key attractions.

The flag-carrier of the UAE, which was set up by royal decree in July 2003, commenced commercial operations in November the same year.

Etihad’s fleet of 82 Airbus and Boeing aircraft operates more than 1,000 flights per week, serving an international network of 95 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and America. Currently, it has over 80 aircraft on firm order, including 41 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in Air Berlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus.

It will acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia from January 2014 and, subject to regulatory approval, will acquire 24 per cent of India’s Jet Airways.

On Friday, the airline celebrated its 10th anniversary with over 20,000 staff and family members at Yas Marina Circuit.