Etihad Airways is to commence a daily service to Sao Paulo in Brazil from 1st June 2013. The service will be the first direct air link between Abu Dhabi and any South American country and will mean Etihad Airways serves all of the BRIC high-growth nations.
“Brazil is a logical next step for us and will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive. “Business and tourism flows between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil have been growing and will be strengthened by our daily direct flights.”
Brazil is the world’s sixth largest economy, having overtaken the UK in 2011. It is the largest country in South America and has the biggest population, at almost 200 million. Its trade and tourism will be boosted by its hosting of both the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.
The flights will be operated by a three-class A340-600 aircraft, offering 12 Diamond First class, 32 Pearl Business class and 248 Coral Economy seats – a total of 2,044 seats per week.
