Etihad unveils A350 service to Toronto, expands Boston route
Complimentary Abu Dhabi stopovers for North American travellers
ABU DHABI: In a major push to bolster its North American network, Etihad Airways is now bringing its cutting-edge Airbus A350 to Toronto and extending daily flights to Boston.
This exciting move underscores the UAE national carrier’s commitment to elevating passenger experiences and meeting high demand between Canada, the United States, and Abu Dhabi.
Etihad’s first A350 lands in Toronto
Toronto Pearson Airport celebrated the arrival of Etihad’s first A350 service on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
This sophisticated aircraft, equipped with Etihad’s latest cabin design, has been specially introduced to cater to growing demand on the Abu Dhabi–Toronto route.
With this upgrade, the airline’s Business Cabin offers 44 state-of-the-art seats for passengers to enjoy greater luxury and comfort.
New features enhance passenger experience
Etihad’s A350 brings more than just seats. “The new aircraft extends the guest experience with its state-of-the-art design and Etihad’s latest cabin interior, representing Etihad’s ongoing commitment to offering a world-class travel experience for passengers flying between Canada and the UAE,” the airline stated.
For passengers journeying to the United States, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub has recently introduced a new US Customs and Border Protection facility. This streamlined immigration process makes travel even more convenient by allowing travellers to complete US customs checks before boarding, creating a seamless transition upon arrival in America.
Boston’s frequency goes daily
Just six months after debuting its Boston route, Etihad has responded to substantial demand by expanding services to daily flights beginning 01 November 2024. With these additional flights, Etihad’s North American footprint now encompasses 42 weekly flights, including twice-daily flights to New York’s JFK, and daily services to Chicago, Washington DC, Toronto, and Boston.
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, explained, “We have seen significant demand on our Boston and Toronto routes. This expanding capacity gives our North American corporate and leisure travellers greater choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.”
To further entice travellers to Abu Dhabi, Etihad offers a complimentary stopover programme that lets visitors transform their layovers into a memorable stay. The initiative includes up to two free nights at some of Abu Dhabi’s finest hotels, promoting the city’s appeal as a destination on its own. This aligns with the airline’s vision to showcase Abu Dhabi as a world-class city and a must-visit destination.
Innovation at Abu Dhabi’s airports
In line with Etihad’s enhancements, Abu Dhabi’s airports have recently upgraded their immigration systems with the latest technology and innovations to ensure efficient, tech-savvy processes. These upgrades are expected to not only accelerate the immigration experience but also position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in airport technology, making travel smoother for passengers transiting through or arriving in the UAE’s capital.
What’s next for Etihad?
With its Toronto A350 service and Boston route expansion marking major milestones, Etihad has even more ambitious plans in store. According to Arik De, “The introduction of our A350 to Toronto and expanding to daily services to Boston reflect our ambitious growth plans in 2024, set to take another major leap at the end of November when we announce an exciting lineup of new destinations.”
As Etihad leads the way in travel innovation and connectivity, North American travellers are set to benefit from a world of enhanced choices and luxurious experiences across the airline’s expanding global network.