Etihad Airways has launched a new service linking Los Angeles (LAX) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), a route the carrier expects to become one of its most popular.
James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, says the route’s appeal lies in the convenient onward connections it provides to many destinations across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. By routing traffic through Abu Dhabi, Etihad can offer streamlined one-stop travel from Los Angeles to a wide range of cities that previously required long layovers or multiple flight changes.
Los Angeles is now Etihad Airways’ fourth U.S. destination, joining Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). The airline plans to begin service to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) in December, further expanding its U.S. network.
Speaking in Los Angeles, Hogan said Etihad expects to achieve an 85 percent sales load factor in its first month of service, leveraging the strength of its global route network and the Abu Dhabi hub to feed connecting traffic.
“Etihad Airways, together with our network partner American Airlines, now provides guests flying from Los Angeles with access to dozens of destinations across the Middle East and Asia that once required long layovers and multiple connections,” Hogan said. “With this new service, travelers can fly from LAX with one stop in Abu Dhabi to 24 key destinations that are important for trade, tourism and visiting friends and family.”
Initially Etihad is operating a three‑cabin, ultra‑long‑range Airbus A340 on the Abu Dhabi–Los Angeles route. The carrier plans to transition to a three‑cabin, ultra‑long‑range Boeing 777‑200LR in mid‑July to better match capacity and range requirements for the market.
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