Etihad throws two stylish parties at museums in Melbourne and Sydney to celebrate its 15th anniversary and explains why it’s new Choose Well campaign is all about offering flyers more options to choose well and live well. It also announces a beaut stop over program in Abu Dhabi involving free accommodation.
Night at the museum on the double
Treasure hunts were the order of the night at Melbourne Museum and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney recently when Etihad Airways celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking the historical moment in historical venues with hundreds of travel industry agents, airline staff and travel writers.
Through an app game on their smartphones, everyone at both city museums (a week apart) were given the chance to explore exhibits to discover travel-related clues and answer a quiz before three lucky guests at each event bagged two return tickets to anywhere on the Etihad network while one took away two Business Class return flights along with accommodation in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways General Manager for Australia New Zealand, Sarah Built, pictured above with Etihad’s Lindsay White, spoke of the airline’s rise in Australia after more than a decade and highlighted the airline’s new Choose Well strategy, which has been designed to communicate “the choices its travellers have”. The aim is to put more decision-making power in the hands of every guest so they can make the journey as comfortable and convenient as possible by tailoring their own personalised experiences.
“We consider you all part of the Etihad family and want to thank you for the tremendous support you have shown us over the 11 years we’ve been flying out of Australia,” Ms Built said. “In that time, you’ve championed and challenged us, and we’ve had fun and prospered together. We’re really looking forward to the next 15 years and beyond of shared success with you.”
Choose Well with Etihad
Etihad showcased its new global Choose Well strategy – a “promise of world class Arabian hospitality and choosing well to live well” – with campaign videos that highlight the endless levels of personalisation and choice now available to anyone flying with Etihad in any class.
“We’ll have lots of opportunities for our guests to tailor their journey at every touch point, from bidding for a neighbour free seat, visiting our brand new lounge experience called The House, upgrading your inflight food or beverage wtih a glass of champagne or a snack box, or deciding to opt for a limousine transfer: there’s a range of choices,” Ms Built said.
Speaking of The House, the airline’s new lounge experience for those embarking in London, Sydney and Melbourne, those carrying a boarding pass for The Residence, First and Business are invited to use the space which will offer a fine-dining experience with the choice of an a la carte menu or self-service buffet while economy passengers can pay a few bucks to visit before boarding.
Building on a 15-year history
Etihad Airways commenced flying on 5 November 2003, with a single Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which performed a symbolic flight to the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s historic city of Al Ain. Regular commercial flights were launched on 12 November of the same year from Abu Dhabi to the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
The UAE national airline now operates a next-generation fleet of over 110 modern Boeing and Airbus aircraft, flying to 84 passenger and cargo destinations. Over the span of 15 years, Etihad Airways has operated over 840,000 passenger flights and has carried 139 million guests globally, served by a dedicated workforce of over 22,000 talented individuals hailing from over 150 countries.
Abu Dhabi becomes more than a ‘stop over’
Jennifer Gaskin, Country Manager for Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Authority, also offered an update of all that’s exciting and new in Abu Dhabi, explaining the city has gone beyond being a mere stopover destination.
“Abu Dhabi offers a timeless entry into Arabia. Where else can you visit one of the world’s most beautiful Mosques or the Louvre during the day, ride the world’s fastest roller coaster and then end the day with dinner under the stars in the desert,” Ms Gaskin said, before explaining that when you choose to fly with Etihad, you also get the benefits of a stop-over program which includes two nights for the price of one at over 60 hotels in Abu Dhabi or one night free at a 5 class hotel for Business Class guests.
Ms Built said it was a priority for Etihad to become “even more intertwined with the development of the UAE international economy and tourist and travel sector of Abu Dhabi.”
Travel manager at CT Connections, Marina Pajvancic, recently experienced a trip to Abu Dhabi flying with Etihad Airways and agrees the Arabian city has lots on offer.
“The experience with Etihad was excellent, it was very personalised and a great journey,” Marina said.
“And Abu Dhabi has so much happening now, it’s an exciting city. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is amazing, built primarily of marble and natural materials sourced from all corners of the world – it sits on a hill surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and is visible from each of the bridges joining Abu Dhabi island to the mainland.
“The one-year-old Louvre is a chance to marvel at a stunning piece of architecture and enjoy artwork from around the world, while there is so much more to discover: kayaking in the mangroves, exploring Yas Island Waterworld which is a short drive from Ferrari World, you can visit the heritage village, enjoy the Friday afternoon tradition of brunch at the Emirates Palace and much more.”
Call your CT Connections travel advisor today for all your travel arrangements.
