Etihad announces major global expansion including new route to Atlanta

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.