Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is marking two decades of connecting India to Abu Dhabi and destinations around the world. Since its inaugural flight to India in 2004, the airline has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between the two nations, fostering tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Over the past 20 years, Etihad has expanded its reach to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, while forming powerful partnerships with key industry players in India. These strategic collaborations have helped enhance the airline’s services and connect millions of passengers to over 400 global destinations through Abu Dhabi.
To reinforce its dedication to the Indian market, Etihad Airways has formed key partnerships with brands that resonate deeply with Indian consumers, from Bollywood to cricket.
Earlier this year, Etihad became the Official Sponsor of Chennai Super Kings, a leading team in the Indian Premier League. The airline engaged fans through match-day activations, including distributing yellow aircraft-shaped whistles to cheer for the team, and featuring cricket legend MS Dhoni in its TV campaigns.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Etihad also announced it will be the Official Front of Shirt sponsor for Mumbai City FC, a top-tier Indian football team with two Indian Super League titles and two ISL Cups to its name.
Celebrating 20 years of memories in India! 🇮🇳 Let’s revisit some of our favourite moments as we look forward to exciting times ahead ✈️.
Book your journey to India today https://t.co/2a6CfQkcoH #Etihad pic.twitter.com/wDAGAQQhOo
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) September 17, 2024
Beyond sports, Etihad partnered with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif, who appeared in several advertisements showcasing the airline’s exceptional guest experience, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
In addition to transportation, Etihad’s partnerships with Indian companies have contributed to strengthening the airline’s presence in the market, providing world-class services to both leisure and business travelers. These alliances have also supported tourism initiatives and created robust links for economic growth between the UAE and India.
This summer, Etihad Airways began offering locally sourced catering for flights departing from India, featuring fresh, regionally curated cuisine. Collaborating with local chefs and caterers in each of its 11 Indian destinations, Etihad now provides passengers with menus that showcase local delicacies and the freshest ingredients, delivering a taste of India to guests on board.
As part of its strong commitment to the Indian market, Etihad Airways recently became the first foreign carrier to launch a Hindi-language website. This initiative aims to make the booking process more accessible and user-friendly for its Indian guests, further enhancing their travel experience.
Etihad Airways employs over 10,000 staff from 140 different nationalities, both in Abu Dhabi and across its global offices. Among them, approximately 1,700 are Indian nationals, working in a variety of commercial and operational roles. These employees are part of the large Indian professional community contributing to life and work in Abu Dhabi and UAE.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Etihad has launched special offers for passengers flying to and from India, further cementing its role as a key player in the region’s travel industry. The airline remains committed to nurturing its relationships in India, continuing to connect people, cultures, and economies for years to come.