Etihad Launches New Airbus A350 Service to Toronto
Etihad Airways’ new Airbus A350 service from Abu Dhabi to Toronto has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a key expansion in the airline’s North American network. The inaugural flight departed from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on October 27, 2024, at 03:19 local time and arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) around 14 hours later, at approximately 09:30 local time.
This Airbus A350-1000, registered as A6-XWE, brings Etihad’s latest onboard experience to Toronto, including 44 luxurious Business Studios. Each studio is designed with enhanced privacy and comfort in mind, offering passengers a dedicated suite with additional space. The A350-1000’s economy cabin seats 347 passengers, including 45 “Economy Plus” seats, which provide extra legroom.
The launch of the Toronto service underscores Etihad’s continued commitment to expanding its footprint in Canada and North America. Following this Toronto addition, Etihad will also begin daily flights to Boston starting on November 1, 2024, just six months after initially introducing Boston as a North American destination. This rapid expansion demonstrates the airline’s focus on meeting the rising demand for travel between the UAE and major North American cities.
Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, commented on the demand for the new routes, stating, “We have seen significant demand on our Boston and Toronto routes. This expanding capacity gives our North American corporate and leisure travelers greater choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.”
Etihad currently operates 42 weekly flights to North America, including twice-daily services to New York and daily flights to Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Washington DC. The increased connectivity between the UAE and North America allows Etihad to provide diverse travel options for passengers seeking seamless connections across the Gulf region.
“Our introduction of the Airbus A350 to Toronto and daily service to Boston reflects our ambitious growth plans for 2024,” De added. “We are set to take another major leap at the end of November with the announcement of an exciting lineup of new destinations.”
Etihad’s fleet of Airbus A350-1000s plays a central role in this expansion. The airline currently operates five A350-1000s, with an additional 15 on order. The A350’s fuel efficiency and advanced passenger amenities make it a strategic choice for Etihad as it expands into high-demand markets like Toronto and Boston, ensuring passengers experience both luxury and efficiency.
With the latest A350 addition to its fleet and an expanding North American route network, Etihad Airways is positioning itself to cater to both business and leisure travelers seeking premium experiences and convenient connections between North America and the UAE. The new Toronto service represents a strategic step in the airline’s 2024 growth strategy, as Etihad strengthens its reach and prepares for further route announcements in the coming months.
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