Etihad

Etihad Aviation Group is the largest aviation holding company in the UAE and a direct competitor of Emirates. While the renowned Emirates emphasizes on elite services, Etihad focuses on comprehensive air transportation services. Etihad Cargo is one of the largest air transportation companies in the world. The company operates regular flights from Moscow to Abu Dhabi, one of the largest logistical hubs in the world.

History of Etihad

Unlike its direct competitor, Emirates, Etihad Group is a young holding: the company’s aircraft made their first commercial flight in 2003. The company’s key hub is the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.

The company’s main focus was on affordable and comfortable transportation throughout Asia, America and Europe. The company is also involved in cargo and corporate transportation: Etihad Group has been an official partner of several World Cup soccer matches.

In addition to its aviation activities, Etihad Group actively cooperates with the Abu Dhabi administration. The company invests in the development of solar energy in the UAE, in the construction of park areas in its native Abu Dhabi, as well as in a number of charity programs in African countries.

Despite its “budget” positioning, Etihad Group’s service has been recognized several times as one of the best in the world. The company pays special attention to catering and comfort on its planes. The company is a pioneer of “Emiratization” – granting the first right to employment to UAE citizens.

Etihad Fleet

Like other airlines in the Gulf, Etihad Airlines regularly renews its fleet. The company has no airplanes older than 30 years. Etihad Airlines is an official partner of Boeing and Airbus, which allows it to keep its planes in perfect condition.

Name Type Number of vessels Capacity Availability of business class
Airbus A380-800 Passenger mainline 4 486 Yes (80)
Airbus A350-1000 Passenger mainline 5 371 Yes (40)
Airbus A320-200 Passenger local 19 196 Yes (8)
Airbus A321-200
Boeing B787-9  Passenger mainline 39 336 Yes (28)
Boeing B787-10
Boeing B777-300ER  Passenger mainline 7 402 Yes (32)
Boeing B777-F Cargo 5 – –

Etihad flight destinations

Etihad’s only flight destination from Russia is Moscow – Abu Dhabi. Flights are operated every day from Sheremetyevo airport at 11:40. The flight time is 5 hours and 35 minutes. During the flight passengers are provided with hot meals with a choice of national cuisine, warm plaid and pillow, as well as access to the multimedia entertainment system. The prices are pleasantly pleasant: Etihad economy class will cost a passenger about 18,000 rubles.

At the same time Abu Dhabi is one of the 5 busiest air hubs in the world. From the capital of the UAE, you can fly literally anywhere in the world.

Classes of service

There are 4 classes of service: Economy Class, Business Class, First Class and Residence Class – a unique air compartment in Airbus A380. All passengers have access to a collection of multimedia entertainment (with access to 1000+ multilingual movies, books and audio), and a unique expanded menu with a choice of national dishes. All Etihad flights have a designated place to perform namaz.

Class of service Services Features
Economy class
  • Unlimited beverages;
  • Upgrades;
  • Plaid and pillow for sleeping;
  • Multimedia entertainment system;
  • Monitoring of passengers suffering from health problems;
  • Charging for phones and digital devices;
  • Free Wi-Fi on board.
 Comfortable and affordable air travel in wide-body aircraft. All passengers enjoy unlimited drinks, delicious freshly prepared food and access to one of the widest multimedia entertainment systems.
Business class All of the above +

  • interior design;
  • side seats and a special footwell;
  • adjustable book and headphone stand;
  • a full-fledged armchair;
  • expanded menu;
  • expedited customs clearance for flights to the US and EU;
  • access to the airport business lounge.
 Unique comfort in a designer cabin. A full-featured armchair for a restful sleep on the flight.
First class All of the above in a special air coupe with sliding doors. Access to an exclusive liquor collection. Business class with maximum privacy
“Residence” Class All of the above + compartment for several people on board. Transfer from the airport and on arrival. Own apartment in the air for the most demanding customers.

Company loyalty programs

Etihad Guest is a mileage program from Etihad Group. When purchasing an airplane ticket, registered users receive miles that can be spent on:

  • ticketing;
  • upgrade;
  • additional in-flight services;
  • gifts from Etihad partners abroad.
Etihad customers can also issue a prepaid Visa card (available for Russians) and earn extra miles for purchases. The number of miles earned is calculated individually and depends on the trip, class of service and services ordered.

There are four levels of the loyalty program:

  • bronze;
  • silver;
  • gold;
  • platinum.

Baggage allowance

The standard baggage allowance is 23 kg with dimensions not exceeding 158 cm in the sum of three dimensions. Baggage allowance increases when upgrading the class of service. For any irregular baggage you have to pay an extra $32/baggage item. Sports equipment should be carried in a special container in disassembled form after additional payment. Explosives, firecrackers, poisons and corrosives, and radioactive substances/strong magnets may not be carried.

Baggage/hand luggage allowances
Economy Business First Residence
Baggage 1х23 kg 1х40 kg 1х50 kg individually
Hand luggage 1х7 kg 1×12 kg + oversized bag 1×5 kg 1×12 kg + oversized bag 1×5 kg individually

All classes have sub-classes (Choise, Value, Choise Plus) that allow you to increase your baggage allowance up to 40 kg/seat.

Check-in

Check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure and closes 40 minutes prior to departure. Check-in can be done online at etihad.com under the “Online Check-in” tab. To check-in, please enter your booking code (available on your ticket) and your last name in Latin characters.

Airline contacts

You can contact the company via the feedback form (tab “Help – Contact Us – Submit a Claim”) or by phone +971 600 555 666 (available 24 hours a day, call is free).