SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Etihad Airways announced on Friday, December 18, that it will add 3 new weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Manila from May 1, 2016.
This brings up the total weekly services to 17 return flights per week (all departures and arrivals are listed in local time):
| Flight no. | Origin | Departs | Destination | Arrives | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY 424 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 02:50 | MNL | 15:55 | Daily | B777-300 |
| EY 423 | Manila (MNL) | 19:05 | AUH | 00:05 | Daily | B777-300 |
| EY 428 | AUH | 10:10 | MNL | 23:15 | Daily | B777-300 |
| EY 421 | MNL | 00:45 | AUH | 05:45 | Daily | B777-300 |
| EY 435 | AUH | 14:35 | MNL | 03:45 | Monday, Saturday, Sunday | B777-300 |
| EY 434 | MNL | 06:55 | AUH | 12:00 | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday | B777-300 |
Etihad Airways’ president and CEO James Hogan said the new services would enable Etihad Airways to offer guests more choices when travelling between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“The Abu Dhabi-Manila route is one of our strongest in terms of demand and has been capacity-constrained over the past few years,” he said.
Hogan added the new services will increase capacity between the two cities by almost 2,500 seats per week.
Seamless connectivity
All 17 weekly flights will be operated by a two-class Boeing 777-300ER with 28 seats in business and 384 in economy class.
Codeshare partner airline, Philippine Airlines places its PR code on the current 14 weekly flights Abu Dhabi-Manila operated by Etihad Airways.
From May 1 next year, the partner airlines will offer a combined total of 22 weekly flights between Manila and Abu Dhabi. (READ: PAL, Etihad Airways increase Manila-Abu Dhabi flights)
Hogan said the extra capacity would also enable Etihad Airways and its partner airlines in Europe to grow the business and leisure travel market from the UAE and countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
“There’s huge potential to grow the visitor market, particularly from the Middle East and Europe, and we’re keen to work with our European partner airlines, the Philippines government and its tourism board to showcase the beauty of the country and the friendliness of its people,” Hogan said in a statement.
“The 3 additional weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Manila will help us realize this ambition,” he added.
The additional frequency is also expected to boost commerce and trade between the UAE and the Philippines.
With a belly hold capacity of 18 tons, the B777-300ER offers the airline and its freight customers an opportunity to grow the export/import business, particularly in the area of electronics and fresh food.
Etihad Airways began its services to the Philippines in February 2006. – Rappler.com
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