UK-based travel services Dnata has signed a deal with Etihad Airways to provide sales and services for Etihad Holidays across the European country, media reports said. It appears that the main aim of the partnership is to promote and showcase Abu Dhabi in an effort to attract more tourists.
It is reported that Etihad Holidays will be sold mainly through the website. The distance time from Heathrow airport to Abu Dhabi is only seven hours. The new partnership will enable Dnata to gain a competitive advantage and develop an extensive portfolio of brands.
Hareb Al Muhairy, senior vice president destination and leisure management, Etihad Airways, told the media, “We look forward to welcoming travellers to our home Abu Dhabi, when the world is ready to travel again. Our new partner dnata Travel Group will act as the essential link between Etihad Holidays and the consumer, while providing full support of our marketing and distribution activities in the UK. Abu Dhabi is just around seven hours of flight time from London Heathrow and Manchester airports and we look forward to working together to showcase the world-class cultural highlights and incredible leisure and entertainment facilities that the city has to offer.”
Etihad Airways is stepping up efforts to increase special flight operations as countries are easing their respective lockdowns. The airline has added flights to Europe, Australia and Canada. It is expected to introduce more services to Sydney with a direct transit connection to and from London through Abu Dhabi, media reports said.