Etihad to increase Abu Dhabi-Sao Paulo frequency to daily from 27-Oct-2013

Etihad Airways plans (12-Jun-2013) to increase its recently launched three times weekly Abu Dhabi-Sao Paulo services to daily from 27-Oct-2013. CEO James Hogan said the carrier originally planned to launch with daily service, but was unable to due to delays in airport upgrades (Panrotas, 12-Jun-2013). Mr Hogan said, "The commitment was not met by airport authorities...[but] I have no doubt that improvements will ensure that in the future we can have a daily flight." Mr Hogan commented on demand for the service, saying, "Current and forward bookings for our flights demonstrate the clear demand that exists from business and leisure travel segments for this service." The carrier noted the Japanese and Middle Eastern communities are particularly benefittng from the service, with strong connections to Tokyo, Nagoya, the UAE, Arabian Gulf and the Levant. UAE Ambassador to Brazil Sultan Rashed Al Kaitoob noted the two countries hope to increase bilateral trade from USD2.85 billion currently to USD10 billion within five years, and said, "These direct flights by Etihad Airways will create new opportunities for Government, trade and tourism between both countries to develop and flourish." Brazilian Ambassador to the UAE João de Mendonça Lima Neto said, "The UAE is a vibrant, rapidly diversifying economy, offering a wealth of opportunities for trade and investment that cannot be overlooked by Brazilian businessmen." [more - original PR]