Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been awarded an international air services contract by the Australian Federal Government.

The decision, which followed the conclusion of the “Whole of Australian Government Travel Service” tender, means that Etihad will be eligible to carry Australian Federal Government officials when they travel overseas on official government business.

Etihad flies to many key global cities from Australia, via Abu Dhabi, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva, Brussels, Milan and Moscow.

“To be chosen as an international airline partner for the Australian Government is a great honour for Etihad Airways and demonstrates the high regard and reputation the airline has in Australia,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer.

“We are pleased to have met all the requirements in this very thorough tender process and look forward to working with the government departments to support their travel around the world with Etihad Airways,” he added.

Etihad currently flies 21 times a week between Abu Dhabi and Australia. This includes 11 flights to Sydney, seven flights to Melbourne and three flights to Brisbane. – TradeArabia News Service