Etihad Airways is all set to resume flights to China. The airways will operate a weekly service from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai, starting 27 July. Boeing 777-300ER, will leave Abu Dhabi at 1am on Mondays, and land in Shanghai around 2pm. Return flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport will operate at 11.40pm from Tuesday, July 28. Flights will land in the UAE capital after 5am the following day.
This will be Etihad’s first passenger flight to China, ever since operations were suspended due to the pandemic. The airline is now set to operate across 59 destinations, by mid August. Meanwhile, CT spoke to Neerja Bhatia, the India Vice President of Etihad Airways, on how to inspire confidence in the passengers for travelling, once the travel bans are lifted. Read the full interview here.
Covid-19 Test A Must For Travellers
All travellers flying from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai must carry a Covid negative certificate, taken within 72 hours prior to departure. The test can be taken from Abu Dhabi or from another departure point if travellers are transiting in the UAE. Passengers can also use Etihad’s home testing service and the results will be available within 48 hours.
Etihad To Resume Services To 58 Other Destinations
The airline plans to resume services to 58 destinations including Middle East, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. However, the resumption of flights is subject to the lifting of international restrictions and the reopening of individuals markets. Meanwhile, here are 5 Things To Know Before Booking Air Tickets Amid COVID-19 Outbreak.
Here’s a complete list of destinations Etihad plans to resume services to:
1. North America
Chicago, New York JFK, Toronto, Washington, D.C.
2. Europe
Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome, Zurich
3. Middle East & Africa
Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Casablanca, Kuwait, Muscat, Rabat, Riyadh, Seychelles
4. Asia
Ahmedabad, Baku, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Chennai, Colombo, Delhi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Male, Manila, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tokyo
5. Australasia
Melbourne, Sydney
That said, could The Future Of Airplanes Be Double-Decker Seats? Read on to find out.
Etihad Introduces Wellness Ambassadors
Etihad Airways has launched a new in-flight service to ensure wellness of passengers. The Etihad Wellness program covers a host of precautions and services, to help passengers have a pleasant flight. Etihad flights now have ‘wellness ambassadors’ who will be around the aircraft to ensure safety of passengers. The dedicated team will receive special training in Abu Dhabi. The wellness program ensures safety of passengers pre boarding, during check in, on board, and while landing. On another note, Etihad Airways Also Launches ‘Contactless’ Method To Test For Covid-19
Pre-Boarding
-All passengers will be provided details about protocols 24 hours before boarding
-Etihad passengers can change their flights free of cost
-Etihad’s transfer coaches will be sterilized and deep-cleaned before and after every use
-All drivers will wear face masks, and chauffeurs will be shielded with a protective screen
Check-In
-Etihad’s wellness ambassadors will be available at the Abu Dhabi airport to assist passengers
-Passengers must maintain social distancing & undergo thermal screening
-All passengers and staff must wear facemask at all times. Food will be served as per Covid restrictions
On Board
-Passengers must maintain distance while scanning their boarding passes
-Aircrafts will be sterilized inside out
-Hygiene kits consisting of hand sanitizer, facemask and gloves will be handed out to all passengers
-Cabin crew will wear masks and PPE at all times
On Landing
-Passengers cannot run to exit as soon as they land. Social distancing must be followed even in the aisles.
-Before leaving, passengers will be advised on precautionary measures to be followed in the destination