Etihad introduces raft of new options to weather the storm

Dar es Salaam. Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways has announced a raft of new on-board and ground options for its passengers as the airline explores new ways to generate revenue in an increasingly tough market. In a statement this week, the airline said it was introducing fees to upgrade services on the ground.

Business-class passengers can pay to use first-class lounges and a spa when flying from or transiting through Abu Dhabi.

And as from July 3, premium customers in other cities will have the option of paying for chauffeur service at discounted rates.

Passengers on the Residence, Etihad’s opulent cabins on Airbus A380s, will continue to get chauffeured for free, according to the statement.

Economy passengers coveting more elbow room can now bid online for adjacent seats, it noted. The seat-bidding system is a neat way to gain a bit of revenue for the government-run airline is facing intensified competition on routes to Europe and North America.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, executive vice president commercial for Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is constantly looking at ways to improve its value proposition for guests, focusing on the service elements that are most important to them. This change is being put in place as the airline looks to evolve its product proposition while continuing to match individual customer requirements.”

Economy-class passengers can also pay for access to business lounges in London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Washington, New York, Sydney and Melbourne for fees ranging from $57 at London’s Heathrow to $75 at New York’s JFK.

In Abu Dhabi, the fees reach 920 dirhams ($250) for an eight-hour stay, the airline said.

The airline was last week presented with three coveted awards for the World’s Best First Class, Best Onboard Catering, and Best First Class Airline Seat at the annual Skytrax World Airline awards in Paris.