Etihad Airways announces major plans for India

Etihad Airways has commenced major expansion of its Indian operations following the approval of a 24% investment in Jet Airways. Central to the Etihad Airways plan is the use of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, as a global hub connecting international passengers and freight with flights to and from India. Pending the opening of a new facility, United States-bound passengers will be able to clear US immigration and customs at Abu Dhabi Airport. The first stage of the Etihad Airways strategy includes additional flights or the introduction of larger aircraft on existing routes to India. Subject to regulatory approvals in a range of countries, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways also plan to codeshare on each other’s flights between Abu Dhabi, India and other markets in the Middle East, North America and Europe. Etihad Airways will also codeshare on new flights by Jet Airways’ between India and the U.S., via the Abu Dhabi hub, subject to regulatory approval.