UAE-based Arabtec Construction has signed a co-operation agreement with national carrier Etihad Airways under which the builder will get airfares at corporate rates.

"As a company with thousands of employees in our payroll, it’s in our best interest that we seek to have special arrangements with an airliner that best meets our needs," remarked Nabil Al Kindi, the deputy CEO of Arabtec Holding, after signing the “Corporate Travel Services Agreement” with Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ vice president for UAE.,

Under the pact, Arabtec will be entitled to discounts in the range of 10 to 20 per cent off airfares to a number of destinations in the GCC and Asia for the company’s employees and their families.

"With our phenomenal expansion across the region and beyond, our needs for travelling around and for outstanding services are growing considerably. Etihad Airways, the UAE national airliner, with its global network and the world’s most modern fleet, presents itself as our natural choice," he stated.

The workforce of Arabtec is currently in excess of 60,000.

Al Kindi said the agreement was in line with Arabtec’s endeavours to providing special travel benefits for its employees and their families, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating the best environment for its employees that should prompt them to work yet harder to meet the company’s aspirations.

On the deal, Al Muhairy said: "We are pleased to offer benefits specifically designed to suit the needs of employees working in one of the fastest growing construction companies in the UAE."

"This agreement reaffirms our commitment to offer unprecedented benefits and travel services to government, semi government and private sector employees across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," he added.

Etihad is currently operating to over 103 destinations across the globe, using an ultra-modern fleet, including 91 Airbus and Boing.-TradeArabia News Service