Etihad Airways has launched a new service on the Kolkata-Abu Dhabi route, marking a significant upgrade after having exhausted its seat capacity of 50,000 seats per week under the bilateral agreement between India and the UAE. Etihad now operates 185 weekly flights to 11 Indian cities.

In March 2023, the airline introduced four weekly flights, which eventually increased to daily flights, from which it became eight flights a week this year.

The new service now is a premium narrow bodied Airbus A321 Long Range (LR), making Kolkata the first city in India to receive Etihad’s new cabin product.

The aircraft is configured for 160 passengers, and features first-class suites, business class seats, and 144 economy seats. The first class and business class cabins flaunt private doors, chauffeuring, and concierge assistance.

Javier Alija, Vice President for Global Sales and Distribution at Etihad said that it was a very special moment for Kolkata. “We have recreated a widebody experience inside a narrow-body aircraft, which is an industry first,” he added.

The airline boasts of covering all touchpoints of the travel journey. With more deliveries ahead, Etihad hopes to extend its premium service to other Indian cities as well. – editor@nrifocus.com