Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways is making a strategic shift into chartered and ‘special flights’ providers. This will open up up a new earnings line for the provider amid business and VIP travellers who would want charter alternatively than acquire professional flights.

Friends can choose from a range of flight options together with a committed passenger company, cargo-only flight or a mixed passenger and cargo package deal. Alex Featherstone, Vice-President for Network Organizing & Alliances, said: “While the COVID-19 pandemic proceeds to effect the business aviation marketplace, charter flights deliver a handy choice to vacation, supplying consumers with the versatility to decide on the departure time, location and routing.”

This year, Etihad flew above 500 charters including passenger, governing administration and humanitarian flights. Around 3.8 million tonnes of cargo was transported for the Abu Dhabi as portion of the nationwide assist programme using charter products and services.

Now, to formalise these expert services underneath a focused company helps make for a compelling scenario.

Participating in a portion

Etihad also charters flights for sporting activities teams – including a last-minute flight for Manchester Town Football Club in 2019 to enable them continue the Asia pre-time tour immediately after they faced a delay on their initial journey.