Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012
Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is currently in discussions with South American carriers about potential commercial partnerships, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said in a statement early this week.
The move is aimed at expanding the airline’s network in South America, according to James Hogan, President and CEO of Etihad Airways, who was in Sao Paulo late last week to meet prominent local diplomats, travel industry executives, media and corporate representatives.
The airline is due to launch its first route in South America on June 1, 2013, with daily non-stop flights between Sao Paulo, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
“Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, now ranking as the sixth largest since overtaking the UK in 2011. Bilateral trade between Brazil and the UAE is valued at nearly $3 billion [Dh11 billion] annually, with authorities aiming to lift this to $10 billion within five years,” Hogan said in a statement, adding that there are 25 Brazilian companies with offices in Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala, the development company of the Abu Dhabi government, too, last year signalled its intent to begin investments in Brazil, valued at up to $13 billion, according to the statement.
The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce statistics, as quoted in Etihad Airways’ statement, meanwhile, reveal that Brazil trade volumes with the Arab world grew by “28 per cent” in 2011 to reach $25 billion, forecast to grow by a further 10-15 per cent this year.
Hogan further said that the new route complements Etihad Airways’ recent expansion in North Asia, besides providing seamless connections from Brazil to the airline’s global network.
With codeshare partnerships and equity stakes forming a significant part of the airline’s expansion strategy, Etihad Airways currently has 38 codeshare partnerships with airlines around the globe, resulting in a combined network of 323 destinations, “more than any other Middle Eastern airline”, the carrier said.
Staff Report
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
