Etihad set to launch New York flights

Middle Eastern airline Etihad has begun its new daily route to New York.

The new service marks the second path to North America for the carrier and its 35th international destination.

"New York is one of the most exciting global destinations an airline can fly to and will play a significant role in bringing leisure and business travellers to the UAE and the region," commented Geert Boven, commercial vice president for Etihad.

Passengers to New York will fly aboard the airline's new Airbus A340-500 aircraft, which have a capacity of 240 people and were built to Etihad's own specifications.

Travellers can buy tickets for the carrier's Diamond, Pearl and Coral cabin classes on these flights.

Etihad launched the new Diamond class, which features rotating seats for meetings, in June.

It is reported to have become popular with passengers since, with bookings for the cabin increasing by 100 per cent between July and September.

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