Etihad Airways, one of two national airlines of the United Arab Emirates and Spanish airline Air Europa are both celebrating a historic milestone following Air Europa’s inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi in the UAE to the Spanish capital of Madrid, its first flight ever taking off from the Middle East.
A Great Achievement for Edihad and Air Europa
The inaugural flight, using a Boeing 787-9, marks an expansion of the partnership between the two airlines. It builds on the code-sharing agreement and the coordination of both airlines’ frequent-flyer programmes. Through this flight, both airlines have retained their commitments to providing greater and more seamless connectivity for global passengers throughout four continents.
Etihad now offers two services a day to Madrid, with its afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa’s Boeing 787-9, which provides 307 Economy seats and 32 Business Class seats. The wet-lease and code-sharing agreements between Etihad and Air Europa are set to strengthen the growing market between the UAE and Spain and open up tourism and trade links between the two countries.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, had the following to say regarding the inaugural flight:
“Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we’re opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.”
Juan José Hidalgo, President of Air Europa, shared Neves’ optimism:
“Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.”
About the Airlines
Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates alongside Emirates, was founded in 2003. From its base at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH), Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, serving hundreds of destinations through code-sharing agreements with other airlines.
Air Europa is a Spanish airline founded in 1986 and the third largest in the country. It flies to 44 destinations in Spain, Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, Morocco and Tunisia. Since 2o07, it has been a member of the SkyTeam Alliance. Its main base is at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD).
Will you be taking advantage of the new route between Abu Dhabi and Madrid? Let us know in the comments!
