It has today been announced that Cambridge International Airport will play a key role in Etihad Airways’ brand new regional operation, after the UAE national carrier acquired a 33.3% stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline which operates four routes from Cambridge.
Following completion of the minority investment, which is subject to regulatory approval, Darwin Airline will rebrand its operations as Etihad Regional and align its network to connect passengers from secondary European markets, including Cambridge, onto the main networks of Etihad Airways and its equity alliance partners.
In addition to rebranding Darwin Airline’s existing international flights from Cambridge International Airport, Etihad Airways has also announced its intention to start brand new flights between Cambridge and Düsseldorf in April 2014. As part of this, Cambridge International Airport passengers will be able to connect to the extensive network of Etihad Airways’ equity partner airberlin via Düsseldorf. As well as network benefits, Darwin Airline will also adopt the Etihad Guest loyalty programme.
Commenting for the Airport Owners Marshall, Steve Jones, managing director of Aviation Services, said, “When we started working with Darwin Airline two months’ ago, we knew that it would be the perfect strategic partner for Cambridge International Airport, offering long term expertise, award-winning service and opportunities for further international growth, and we are delighted that Etihad Regional will now offer even greater global connectivity to our customers. Not only is the new Düsseldorf route an excellent fit for Cambridge’s thriving business market, but it also demonstrates Etihad Airways’ commitment and belief in Cambridge International Airport from the outset.”
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “This is a stepchange for Etihad Airways. With our new partner Darwin Airline, we are creating a unique approach to network development for global airlines. European travellers will now be able to connect from a far, wider range of European towns and cities on Etihad-branded aircraft, through Abu Dhabi to our destinations worldwide.”
Source / Author: Cambridge Airport