Etihad to launch flights to East Africa with Nairobi service from Apr-2012

Etihad Airways announced plans to launch Abu Dhabi-Nairobi service from 01-Apr-2012 - see Route Changes Table for more information. Nairobi is the carrier's first destination in East Africa and the 72nd destination in the Etihad network. James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO, said the new route will allow Etihad to tap into large traffic flows between East Africa, North Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. The carrier is targeting areas of strong growth in emerging economies such as North, East and Central Africa and has a number of other destinations under active consideration. Etihad began dedicated cargo services to Nairobi in Mar-2009 and now operates five times weekly service with a total capacity of 340 tonnes each week. Bellyhold from the Nairobi passenger service will increase this by 5%. [more - original PR]