Etihad Airways’ passengers can now fly non-stop from Abu Dhabi to both Brussels and Toronto following the airline’s decision to spilt the three times-a-week joint flight.

The Abu Dhabi to Toronto, via Brussels, service has been one of Etihad’s most popular routes since its launch in October 2005 with aircraft seat sales averaging more than 80 per cent.

Furthermore, in order to strengthen its global network of flights Etihad will increase to daily the frequency of both destinations once it has gained the necessary government approvals.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “In order to compete with the world’s best airlines it is vital that Etihad offers non-stop flights to the world’s top destinations.”

“These new non-stop services from Abu Dhabi to Brussels and Toronto support Etihad’s pledge to provide our customers with a frequent and comprehensive international network of flights.”

A delegation of senior Etihad management, including James Hogan, Wayne Pearce, EVP strategy and planning, and Khaled Al Mehairbi, VP government and international affairs, travelled to Toronto on the inaugural non-stop flight.

The delegation will be attending the World Air Transport Summit and the IATA (International Air Transport Association) annual general meeting in Vancouver from June 3 to 5.-TradeArabia News Service