Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has in just eight years established itself as the world’s leading airline. “Etihad” is the Arabic word for “union”.

Set up by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003, Etihad commenced commercial operations in November, 2003, and has gone on to become the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is the airline’s hub. Etihad’s fleet of 66 aircraft operates more than 1000 flights per week, serving an international network of 84 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30 percent of airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest carrier and 40 percent of Air Seychelles.

The airline seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality – cultured, considerate, warm and generous – as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as a centre of hospitality between East and West.

Etihad Airways has received a range of awards that reflect its position as the leading premium airline brand in the world, including ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011.