Etihad Airways slashes fares by up to 25%

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is now offering up to 25 per cent off air fares from 26 markets around the globe. The fares are applicable on Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class bookings made between May 1 and May 4, for travel between May 1 and May 31, 2012. All travel must be completed by May 31. The reduced fares are available for purchase in: Bahrain; Bangladesh; Belgium; Cyprus; Germany; Iraq; Ireland; Italy; Jordan; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dammam only); Korea; Kuwait; Lebanon; Malaysia; Maldives; Morocco; Nepal; Oman; Pakistan; Qatar; South Africa; Sudan; Switzerland; Thailand; the UAE, and the United Kingdom. Applicable destinations will vary by market. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Savvy travellers understand that the period just before the summer holiday season is the perfect time to book a great value getaway. We are pleased to offer this very special, limited-time offer to our guests so that they may see the world from the comfort of our award-winning Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class, but without breaking the bank.” Etihad confirmed today it had acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus. The airline said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier. Etihad Airways believes a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines. Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July, 2007. The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country.  It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal. Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world.