Etihad Launches Largest China Market Expansion

Abu Dhabi, UAE — September 14, 2023

In short: Etihad Airways expands into mainland China with five new routes and 28 weekly flights, operated in partnership with China Eastern Airlines.

Etihad Airways & China Eastern Expand to China

According to Etihad Airways the UAE carrier is adding five new mainland China destinations—Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen—to its network, alongside 28 weekly flights. The new routes will be served by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and will be operated under a joint venture between Etihad and China Eastern Airlines. China Eastern will reciprocally serve Shanghai, Kunming, and Xi’an to the UAE. Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized China as “a key pillar of our network growth.”

Industry Context

This expansion positions Etihad as a major player in the rapidly growing China-UAE travel corridor, complementing its existing daily Beijing service. While no direct competitors are named, the move fills a significant gap for travelers seeking direct connections between the two markets, addressing the demand for more frequent and convenient air travel options.

Key Details

• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will operate the new routes.
• Operational partnership: Etihad and China Eastern will share traffic rights on the new routes.
• Reciprocal services: China Eastern will operate flights from Shanghai, Kunming, and Xi’an to the UAE.

What Travel Professionals Should Know

TMCs managing Chinese corporate accounts should update their itineraries to include the new Etihad-China routes, as these provide direct, high-frequency options for business travelers. Airport lounge operators in Shanghai and Beijing can expect increased traffic from the new routes, potentially requiring adjustments to lounge capacity and services. The expansion signals a strengthening of air connectivity between the UAE and China, which may influence future travel planning and route development strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Etihad Airways’ new China route network?
Etihad Airways is adding Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen to its existing Beijing service, operated in partnership with China Eastern Airlines.

Which travel trade segments does this affect?
This expansion primarily impacts TMCs managing Chinese corporate accounts, airport lounge operators in Shanghai and Beijing, and travel agencies planning trips to China.

When does this take effect?
The new routes and weekly flight schedules commence immediately following the announcement.

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