Etihad Airways will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its scheduled services from Abu Dhabi to Rabat, capital of Morocco, effective October 3, replacing the Airbus A330-300 currently serving the route.

The introduction of the technologically advanced aircraft on Rabat services is a further boost to its presence in the Moroccan market. On May 1 this year, the airline placed the 787 Dreamliner on its daily flights to the kingdom’s commercial hub, Casablanca. The move to place the aircraft on Rabat flights will provide customers travelling on Etihad Airways’ Moroccan routes with full product consistency, the latest inflight technology, and increased cargo capacity to further boost trade.

Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Morocco is a very important destination on the Etihad network, underscoring the close cultural and commercial ties between the kingdom and the UAE.

“Our flights to Rabat and Casablanca have proved tremendously popular with UAE and Moroccan nationals, and residents. Adding the 787 Dreamliner on all our Moroccan services will now provide our customers flying to both capitals with the same award-winning cabins, innovative seating and products.”

Etihad Airways’ three-class version of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features eight private First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats.

To meet summer peak travel demand, Etihad Airways recently added a third weekly service to Rabat, operating every Saturday until September 29. The extra flight provides more choice to the increasing number of point-to-point business and leisure travellers between both cities.

Etihad Airways has been serving Rabat since January 2016, providing the only long-haul link from the city, and the only service operated by the 787 Dreamliner.

Etihad Airways has had a codeshare partnership in place with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) since May 2007, with the Moroccan flag carrier placing its ‘AT’ code on Etihad services from Abu Dhabi to both Rabat and Casablanca.

Under the agreement, Etihad Airways places its ‘EY’ code on Royal Air Maroc’s services from Casablanca to Agadir, Marrakech and Tangier, and pending government approvals, from Casablanca to Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Conakry in Guinea, and Dakar in Senegal. - TradeArabia News Service