LONDON – In what is the first-ever scheduled flight between Abu Dhabi and Guangzhou, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has touched down on flight EY868 in Guangzhou, China.

Prior to the inaugural flight aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, there was a ribbon-cutting event attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Miral Asset Management, and Etihad Aviation Group.

With this route now in service, the Middle Eastern carrier becomes the first international airline to operate long-haul passenger routes between the three key Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou since the start of Covid-19.

“We have been tremendously excited about the launch of this service. Guangzhou is actually the latest destination to be opened in China by Etihad since the launch of the Abu Dhabi–Shanghai route back in 2012.”

“It will continue to help build a solid air bridge for commerce and cultural exchanges between China and the UAE”, said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer for Etihad Aviation Group.

“We are very grateful for the support from both governments, business partners, and our Etihad team, as our new service to Guangzhou will not only further address the huge demand for passenger travel between the UAE and China, building on the formidable people and business ties between the two markets, but also support the increasing consolidation and strengthening of Etihad’s presence in China and the global aviation industry. It also reinforces the airline’s commitment to serving the Chinese market.”

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Etihad’s hospitality team put on a variety of different dishes to compliment “the spiritual home of Cantonese cuisine”.

Capturing the cultural diversity of the airline’s hospitality team, dishes such as signature dim sum and Arabic style canapés were on offer. Creating these dishes was a team effort between Etihad chef Murray Reason and Capital Hospitality Executive Chef Imad Soboh. 

The introduction of twice weekly flight EY868 takes Etihad’s route network to 67 destinations across 45 different countries. The weekly service schedule is as follows:

The news of an additional route comes at a good time for passengers looking to book flights with Etihad. The carrier was recently awarded the ‘Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by the international air transport rating organization Skytrax.

They also received the prestigious ‘Environmental Airline of the Year for 2022’ in the annual airline ratings.

With a reputation for excellent onboard customer service, a wide range of destinations, and its award-winning strategy for sustainability, it makes Etihad an attractive option when choosing who to fly with.

Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Al Bulooki, said this upon being awarded the accolades: “The Etihad family is grateful for this recognition from Skytrax, which underlines the ambition to offer an unmatched proposition for travelers.”

“As air travel comes soaring back this year, Etihad’s award-winning service aligned with a deep-seated commitment to sustainability is proving to be a popular combination with guests.”