Etihad Regional is expanding its operations out of Germany
Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline, is expanding its operations out of Germany with the introduction of five new routes from Dresden.
Responding to strong passenger demand, Etihad Regional has today commenced daily flights between Dresden and Zurich, and Dresden and Amsterdam – the first direct air link between the two cities. From 3 November 2014, the airline will connect Dresden to Vienna in Austria with a twice daily service. Etihad Regional will also launch two additional routes of Dresden – Copenhagen and Dresden – Brussels from March 2015.
The inaugural flight F7262 from Zurich to Dresden, operated by an ATR 72-500 aircraft, touched down at Dresden Airport this morning. The flight was met by a traditional water cannon salute, and was welcomed by the Mayor of Dresden, Helma Orosz, and a senior delegation of Dresden Airport officials.
The same aircraft took off on schedule for the inaugural Dresden-Amsterdam flight and was greeted by a second water cannon salute ceremony upon arrival at the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Maurizio Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Regional, said: “We are excited to launch these new routes in line with our strategy of expanding our network into markets where we see sustained passenger demand. The move will further boost trade and tourism in the region and strengthen our presence in the competitive German market, where we already serve Stuttgart, Leipzig/Halle and Düsseldorf. “More importantly, the new services will provide additional attractive opportunities for both business and leisure travellers from Dresden to connect conveniently to wide range of key European destinations via our Zurich hub.”
Dresden is an important cultural, education and economic German centre. The city boasts a number of historic cultural monuments and landmarks such as the Hofkirche, Frauenkirche and Zwinger palace. The new routes are operated by a two-class ATR 72-500 aircraft configured to carry 68 passengers, with nine seats in Premium Class and 59 seats in Economy Class.