Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is increasing capacity to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a third daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, with effect from Dece. 10. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier's flights to the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, launched in May 2006, are among the most popular of its regional services, enjoying high demand from the UAE and Etihad's global network. Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways' chief strategy and planning officer, said: "I am delighted to build on the success of our Jeddah flights. This new service expands our operation to the kingdom and further strengthens the already strong historic relations and cultural ties between the two Arab states. "Business, religious and leisure guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah may now choose from greater schedule options. Abu Dhabi's geographical location makes it ideal as a gateway for air travellers going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, connecting easily and quickly across Etihad Airways' route network." Etihad Airways' third daily service between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah will be served with an Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy. The existing double daily flights are operated on two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, Etihad Airways currently operates nine daily flights across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – including Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah. Recently, Etihad Airways expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia through a new five-times-per-week codeshare between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi operated by codeshare partner flynas. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has officially opened a new state-of-the-art Crew Briefing Center (CBC) at its hub in Abu Dhabi. The purpose-built crew terminal, the first built by the airline, is the most advanced of its kind in the region, and is fitted with leading-edge baggage handling systems, electronic check-in kiosks, security and customs scanning equipment and E-gate facilities for immigration control. The airline will provide user-friendly technology and convenience for its 2,250 flight crew and approximately 5,800 cabin crew during the check-in and briefing processes prior to boarding their flights. Operating crews will be provided with up-to-date flight information such as flight plans, weather reports, destination information, service protocol and passenger data, for review in dedicated briefing areas within the CBC. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and chief executive officer, said: "We are tremendously proud to open this spectacular facility, which has been designed and built to provide our operating crew, and those of our partner airlines, with the latest technological advances and the utmost convenience. "The Crew Briefing Center will allow us to meet the challenges of an ever-transforming business and to meet the phenomenal growth of both Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi well into the future. This will be particulary important in the period leading up to the opening of the new Midfield Terminal." The technology used in the CBC allows operating crews to start their travel from home by using their phones and tablet devices to connect to the center, providing the airline with a higher degree of visibility to guarantee a seamless operation. On their journey to the airport, crew members will receive real-time information about the flight and the airline will receive up-to-date information about their expected arrival time at the airport. Located adjacent to Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi Airport, the expansive new facility measures approximately 88,264 ft? set over two floors, consisting of a steel frame structure with a bespoke cladding system reflecting Etihad Airways' ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi' corporate design, and features branded fleet and product renders throughout the building, with a superior high quality finish. The terminal features 20 fully-equipped pilot and cabin crew briefing rooms, four of which can be joined to accommodate larger Airbus A380 crews. Etihad Airways has opened three crew lounges within the CBC. The CBC boasts laundry and dry-cleaning services, a mail room and a 24-hour coffee shop serving light meals and snacks. A dedicated duty-free outlet will open within the arrivals hall. The Guest Services department, which oversees the airline's cabin crew, has relocated its Performance Managers to the CBC to enhance communication between cabin crew and management, providing access to the latest updates, information and advice.The CBC is an airside/landside facility which also accommodates government entities such as Police, Customs, Immigration and State Security, and meets all necessary health and safety requirements set by the relevant authorities. — SG
