Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, this week will mark two major milestones in its commercial services to Australia.

The airline will celebrate the second anniversary of its Australian services, and the inaugural V Australia flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, operated by Etihad alliance partner, the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, hosted more than 350 representatives from government, travel industry and media yesterday (February 22) at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne’s premier sports and entertainment venue.

Hometown girl, international superstar and Etihad brand ambassador Dannii Minogue added a touch of celebrity and glamour to the event commemorating Etihad’s second year of service from Abu Dhabi to the Victorian capital.

Etihad tonight (February 24) will co-host an event with alliance partner Virgin Blue at the Sydney Opera House for 300 guests including the UAE Ambassador to Australia Ali Nasser Al Nuaimi and the Australian Ambassador to the UAE Doug Trappett to mark the commencement of V Australia flights to Abu Dhabi.

The flight, operated by a V Australia Boeing 777 aircraft, will mark the first time since 1991 that an Australian airline has operated services to the Middle East in its own right, a statement said.

V Australia will fly three times weekly between Sydney and Abu Dhabi, bringing to 24 the total number of flights operated by the two airlines between Australia and Abu Dhabi.

“The week-long programme of events in Australia highlights the importance of the Australian market to our business and our deep commitment to it,” said Hogan.

“Tomorrow’s joint service from Sydney to Abu Dhabi with Virgin Blue’s international arm V Australia marks the beginning of an exciting new era of cooperation for Etihad and Virgin Blue and opens up a new world of choice for travelers on our combined global network of more than 100 destinations,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service