Etihad arrives in Baku

The first scheduled flights linking Abu Dhabi and the Azerbaijan capital Baku have been launched by Etihad Airways with the inaugural service on Friday greeted with a water cannon salute.

Etihad CEO Peter Baumgartner said: “We are tremendously excited to be launching the only scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Baku. There is strong demand from both markets for a direct, full-service operation, and we have responded.”

Baumgartner said the visa waiver programme introduced for UAE nationals by Azerbaijan in 2015 had greatly stimulated interest in the country, resulting in a surge of visitors since its implementation.

Etihad Airways and Azerbaijan Airlines recently announced a partnership under which Azerbaijan Airlines passengers will be able to book codeshare flights to and from Abu Dhabi and connect to Etihad Airways’ extensive global network.

Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC president Jahangir Askerov said: “Azerbaijan Airlines and Etihad Airways are long-standing partners. The joint flights will allow Azerbaijani citizens to expand their global reach and creating more opportunities for business travellers.”

The new route operates three times a week using a 136-seat Airbus A320 with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy.

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