Etihad confirms direct flight between the UAE and Brazil
Eye on two of the biggest international sports events in the world in Brazil — the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. — AFP picDUBAI, Sept 19 — Etihad Airways has confirmed that it will be operating a direct flight between Sao Paulo and Abu Dhabi starting June 2013 as the carrier says it is “keen to expand its footprint in South America”.
The plans to fly to Brazil were unveiled this summer and then confirmed by the airline’s CEO James Hogan, who was visiting Brazil last week. The daily Sao Paulo flight will be the first direct link between Abu Dhabi and Brazil.
The flight will be operated by a three-class A340-600 aircraft, offering 12 seats in first class, 32 seats in business class and 248 economy seats, for a total of 2,044 seats a week.
Etihad says it is expecting a boost in tourism in Brazil as the country hosts two of the biggest international sport events in the world — the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.
The company is aiming at both leisure and business travellers as Brazil’s economic and tourism profile continues to grow. For leisure travellers, the country offers beaches with five-star resorts as well as eco-adventure and cities with bustling nightlife.
Brazil, as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is attracting investors and has become the preferred business destination in the region. Brazil is the UAE’s fourth-largest partner, with over 25 national companies operating offices in Abu Dhabi. — AFP/Relaxnews
