Etihad Airways launches new service to Baku

Etihad Airways has launched the first ever scheduled flights linking Abu Dhabi and the Azerbaijan capital of Baku.

The inaugural flight, EY297, departed Abu Dhabi on March 4 carrying a special delegation including diplomats, dignitaries, media representatives, and senior members of Etihad Airways’ management team.

On arrival in Baku, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, followed by the customary display of the Emirati and Azerbaijani national flags from the cockpit windows.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief executive officer, said: “We are tremendously excited to be launching scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Baku, the only scheduled service linking the two capitals.

“There is strong demand from both markets for a direct, full-service operation on the route, and we have responded to this increasing customer requirement. The new flights will further boost traffic from the UAE and strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations.

“The visa waiver programme introduced for UAE nationals by Azerbaijan in 2015 has greatly stimulated interest in the country, resulting in a surge of visitors since its implementation.”

From left: Mohammed Al Katheeri, Senior Vice President Strategy and Communications, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, H.E Mohamed Ahmed Hamel Alqubaisi, Ambassador of the UAE in Azerbaijan, Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, H.E Dashqin Mazi Shikarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in the UAE, flanked by Etihad Airways Cabin Crew, celebrate the airline's inaugural flight to Baku

Etihad Airways and Azerbaijan Airlines recently announced a codeshare partnership that now sees Azerbaijan Airlines place its ‘J2’ code on Etihad Airways services between Baku and Abu Dhabi.

Under this partnership, Azerbaijan Airlines guests will be able to book codeshare flights to and from Abu Dhabi and connect onto Etihad Airways’ extensive global network.

Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC, said: “Azerbaijan Airlines and Etihad Airways are long-standing partners in civil aviation.

“The launch of joint flights between our two airlines will allow Azerbaijani citizens to further expand their global reach, attracting increased numbers of tourists and creating more opportunities for business travellers.”

The new service will operate three times a week using a 136-seat Airbus A320. The schedule provides convenient connections to and from the airline’s global network and has been timed evenly throughout the week to provide a mix of weekend, short stay and business travel options.