Etihad announces major global expansion including new route to Atlanta

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Etihad announces major global expansion including new route to Atlanta

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Caroline Lascom Senior editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Nov 25, 2024

Etihad Airways is set to expand its network by adding ten new destinations across three continents in 2025. Among these, the airline will begin service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) starting July 2. The Abu Dhabi-Atlanta route will operate four times a week using an Airbus A350-1000, which includes a newly designed business class cabin with 44 seats and 327 economy seats.

Atlanta marks Etihad's fifth destination in the United States, joining Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Passengers traveling from Abu Dhabi benefit from a Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility that allows them to enter the U.S. as domestic travelers.

Etihad's Chief Revenue Officer Arik De previously mentioned plans for expansion in October, stating, "We have a lot of growth coming," and noting that the airline anticipates surpassing its peak operational levels from 2017 next year.

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In addition to Atlanta, Etihad's new destinations include Taipei, Taiwan; Medan, Indonesia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Krabi and Chiang Mai in Thailand; Tunis, Tunisia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong; and Algiers, Algeria. The airline had also announced future services to El Alamein International Airport in Egypt, Vaclav Havel Airport Prague in the Czech Republic, and Warsaw Chopin Airport in Poland for June and July next year.

The expansion heavily relies on the A321LR aircraft model known for its longer range capabilities. This model is already utilized by JetBlue Airways for transatlantic flights from Boston and JFK. Etihad expects delivery of its first A321LRs early next year with further details about onboard features expected by late February.

"It's going to have a full flat bed, all-aisle access and that best-in-class product that Etihad delivers," De commented regarding the new aircraft features. He added that this model "will fly us to many places that the [Boeing] 777, 787 and A350s are just a little too big."

Etihad's strategic growth comes after significant restructuring since 2017 when it reduced its schedule and divested from loss-making investments like Air Berlin, Alitalia's predecessor company, and Virgin Australia.

For those looking to book award flights on Etihad or use points through American Express Membership Rewards or other loyalty programs like American Airlines' AAdvantage or JetBlue's TrueBlue can transfer at favorable rates for booking flights on Etihad-operated routes.