Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was set up by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. Etihad Airways commenced operations in November 2003, and in 10 years has become one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation.

The airline has received a range of awards that reflect its position as one of the world’s leading premium airline brands, including ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is the airline’s hub. Etihad’s fleet of 88 aircraft operates more than 1400 flights per week, serving an international network of 84 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30 percent of airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest carrier and 40 percent of Air Seychelles.

The airline seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality – cultured, considerate, warm and generous – as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as a centre of hospitality between East and West.