Etihad Begins Flights to Nagoya, Prepares for Tokyo Service

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has begun serving Japan with the launch of service to Nagoya and will begin flying to Tokyo in March.

Etihad Airways is initially operating four times a week to Nagoya’s Chūbu Centrair International Airport (NGO), via Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), but will increase to five flights a week from March 29. It is operating two-class Airbus A330-200s on the route.

“These new services, our first to Japan , are very important to Etihad,” says James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer. “We believe the connection between Abu Dhabi and Nagoya will offer opportunities to grow tourism, as well as foster commercial growth and benefit key industries ― particularly energy, environmental services and manufacturing, for which Nagoya is becoming a centre of excellence.”

Etihad Airways' long-haul fleet includes 16 Airbus A330-200s, as well as other Airbus and Boeing types. Etihad operates A330-200s on many routes, including its service linking Abu Dhabi with Nagoya via Beijing, launched on February 2, 2010

The airline will expand its Japan operations with the launch of services between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) on March 27.

With the addition of Nagoya and Tokyo to its network, Etihad offers services to eight destinations in the Far East (including Beijing, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur) and 60 worldwide.

In addition to its own operations, Etihad will also offer codeshare services with Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) from March 1, offering connections for Etihad passengers from Nagoya to Chitose and Fukuoka and through Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Osaka. For ANA passengers, the codeshare agreement will offer connections to Etihad’s worldwide network via its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

In addition to codesharing, a mileage tie-up programme and combination of passenger services will be implemented as part of the agreement.

Established seven years ago, Etihad Airways will launch its 60th destination in 2010.