UAE's national airline Etihad Airways has launched its non-stop service between its hub in Abu Dhabi and Dallas/Fort Worth, the airline’s sixth destination in the US.

The new three-flights-a-week service will help strengthen the economic links between Abu Dhabi and the US, providing enhanced access for the technology sector and oil and gas industry,  said a statement from Etihad.

Guests onboard the inaugural flight were presented with a commemorative certificate, while an official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place last night at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, hosted by the airport’s chief executive officer, Sean Donohue.

A senior delegation from the airline, as well as dignitaries, including Abdulla Alsaboosi, Consul General of the UAE and Geert Boven, the senior vice president – The Americas, Etihad Airways also participated in the inauguration ceremony, said the Abu Dhabi airline.

The introduction of the Dallas/Fort Worth route further bolsters Etihad Airways’ US network and meets growing demand from travellers in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.

As per the schedule, flight No EY161 will take off daily from Abu Dhabi at 10.10am and land in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) at 4.50pm, while on return, EY160 will leave DFW at 6.50pm and arrive in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 8pm (the next day).

Guests flying to Dallas/Fort Worth from Abu Dhabi International Airport will enjoy the enhanced convenience of the purpose-built US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Terminal 3, said the UAE carrier.

Abu Dhabi is one of few airports outside the US to offer pre-clearance, which allows all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections to take place in Abu Dhabi prior to departure. Guests then arrive in the US as domestic passengers, allowing for faster processing, it added.

Etihad’s new DFW service is operated using a three cabin ultra-long range Boeing 777-200LR, configured to carry 237 guests, with eight First Class suites, 40 Business Class flatbed seats, and 189 Economy Class seats.-TradeArabia News Service