Etihad Airways is to start flights to Brazil, the airline's first South American destination, it announced on Sunday.
Brazil is the UAE's fourth largest trading partner with bi-lateral trade between the two countries valued at $2.85 billion, which authorities hope to raise to $10 billion within five years.
There are 25 major Brazilian companies with offices in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE buys sugar, soya beans, meat, aircraft, heavy oils, tractors and construction vehicles from the South American country. Exports from the UAE to Brazil include oil rigs, aviation fuel, steel, aluminium goods and plastics.
"Brazil is a logical next step for us and will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer.
The daily Sao Paulo flights will start in June 2013 a year before the country hosts the FIFA World Cup. The service will be the first direct air link between Abu Dhabi and any South American country.
Brazil is the world's sixth largest economy, having overtaken the UK in 2011. It is the largest country in South America and has the biggest population, at almost 200 million. Its trade and tourism will be boosted by its hosting of both the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.
Mr Hogan said: "Business and tourism flows between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil have been growing and will be strengthened by our daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Sao Paulo."
Brazil's Minister of Tourism, Gastão Dias Vieira, said: "Brazil and the UAE share a positive relationship halfway across the globe, marked by an open political dialogue, thriving trade and investments, and an increasing number of travellers.
"Even before the inaugural flight, our country has already been part of Etihad's success story, as many Brazilian pilots and flight attendants have joined the company over the years."
More than 50 Brazilian nationals work for Etihad Airways, including 18 pilots and 27 cabin crew. All are based in the UAE.
© 7Days 2012
