Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, and the UAE Ambassador to the US hosted an event celebrate the launch of the airline’s new daily service linking Washington, DC and Abu Dhabi in the US capital.

More than 450 guests attended a glamorous gala dinner at the prestigious Andrew W Mellon Auditorium, in Washington DC, where Harry Connick Jr and his band entertained the guests with a display of musical talent.

The UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, said: “I want to congratulate Etihad Airways on the launch of this new flight connecting our two capitals, Washington, D.C. and Abu Dhabi.  This flight is a reflection of the strong ties between the UAE and the US and it will help expand trade, enhance diplomacy, broaden cultural understanding, and deepen the friendship that binds our countries and our communities closer together.”

James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, said the airline enjoyed a strong relationship with the US through existing daily flights to New York and Chicago and, by adding services to Washington, DC, was further strengthening those ties.

“I am pleased the demand for our services is growing and delighted that I have this opportunity to celebrate your support for Etihad Airways, as we connect the capital cities of Washington, DC, and Abu Dhabi,” he said.

Etihad Airways’ Executive Chef Thomas Ulherr led 11 of his classically-trained first class in-flight chefs, flown in for the dinner, to conceive and prepare a menu filled with exotic Arabian flavours. – TradeArabia News Service