Etihad to Increase Flights to JFK; Expand Partnership with JetBlue

(12 September 2022, 11:34 +07)  Etihad Airways continues to strengthen its commitment in the US market with increased flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on the heels of the launch of the airline’s new A350 aircraft, and an expanded partnership with JetBlue.

From 15 November, Etihad will add four weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi – New York route, providing a total of 11 weekly nonstop services to JFK.

The new flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, while existing daily services will continue on Etihad’s new Airbus A350 aircraft, which has been deployed on the New York route since June.

Tony Douglas, Etihad Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “The US remains one of our leading markets and that is why New York and Chicago were amongst the first destinations to be serviced by Etihad’s new A350. We are proud to continue to offer our guests a premier travel experience and enhanced connectivity through our growing partnership with JetBlue.”

Etihad Airways A350-1000

Etihad's A350 aircraft, Sustainability50, carries a unique livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and Etihad's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The new aircraft is currently serving two routes in the US with flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Chicago’s O’Hare International and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin aisle aircraft.

Developed in partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce, the Sustainability50 programme will see Etihad's A350s used as flying test beds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad's similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type.

Etihad and JetBlue have been codeshare partners since 2014 and currently codeshare across 46 destinations throughout the Americas.

JetBlue recently began codesharing on Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to Chicago and New York, with Washington, D.C to be added soon.

As Etihad prepares to increase flights to New York’s JFK International Airport in November, the partners are planning to add additional destinations offering travellers seamless connectivity to new gateways.

In addition to increasing connectivity through the codeshare partnership, Etihad and JetBlue are developing a frequent flyer partnership that will allow both TrueBlue frequent fliers and Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks.

In addition to the introduction of the A350, increased services to JFK and expanded partnership with JetBlue, Etihad will be one of the first airlines to be offered a permanent presence at JFK’s New Terminal One.

Etihad passengers travelling to the US are able to take advantage of Etihad’s US pre-clearance facility, the only United States Customs and Border Protection facility in the Middle East. This allows passengers bound for the United States to process all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before they board their flight, avoiding immigration and queues on arrival in the US.

Flight schedule for Etihad's Abu Dhabi – New York service, effective 15 November 2022:

Latest videos: India's Aviation Market - Exclusive 4K Video Interview with Roshan Mendis, EVP and CCO of Sabre Travel Solutions, Living With One Eye - Six Years On by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com, Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs for a Perfect Night's Sleep, Amari Watergate Bangkok - 4K Video Interview with Sukamal Mondal, Area GM.