Etihad Airways expands flights to Sudan
May 27, 2006 (ABU DHABI) — Emirati Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, will launch a three-times-a-week service to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum starting on 5 July 2006.
The Guest service will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, and supports Etihad’s current freighter operations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum, which opened in July last year.
“Etihad is proud to offer a frequent quality service between the UAE and Sudan. Established cultural and commercial ties have existed for many years between the two countries, and we look forward to enhancing this further,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman at Etihad Airways.
More than 40,000 Sudanese are living and working in the UAE, many in government sectors, schools and the construction industry.
“Business and tourism links between the UAE and Sudan have been strong for many years now, and with the introduction of this new Etihad service, there is a huge opportunity for the further development of these trade and cultural ties. We are also looking forward to welcoming more UAE-based travellers to Khartoum,” said Haj Al Faki Hashim, Sudanese Ambassador to the UAE.
“There is a long-standing Sudanese community based in the UAE and we hope that many of them now choose to fly with the UAE’s national airline and enjoy our hospitality and comfort,” added HH Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan.
Outbound, Etihad flight EY611 will depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 14:05 arriving at the Civil Airport in Khartoum (KRT) at 17:05. The return flight will depart Khartoum at 18:20, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 23:05.
Guests will fly on an Etihad Airways A330-200 configured with two zones offering 262 seats with 22 in Pearl and 240 in Coral. It can carry up to 14 tonnes of cargo.
The current Etihad Crystal Cargo freighter operations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum offer a payload of up to 44 tonnes on each flight, three times a week.
“The opening of regular Guest services to Khartoum is great news for Etihad Airways and Etihad Crystal Cargo. Etihad Crystal Cargo has been operating an A300 – 600F three times a week for more than a year, the addition of the Guest service will increase our capabilities significantly,” said Ingo Roessler, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Airways.
(ST)