Etihad To Start Daily San Francisco Flights

Etihad Airways will start daily flights between Abu Dhabi and San Francisco from November 18.

The route will be served by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, leased from partner Jet Airways, offering eight first class, 30 business class and 308 economy class seats.

As well as providing another strong airbridge between the UAE and the US West Coast (Emirates started flights to San Francisco in 2008), the new service will enhance connectivity with the Subcontinent, particularly New Delhi, given the Bay Area’s significant Indian community.

San Francisco becomes Etihad’s sixth US destination, complementing New York, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles and Dallas (from December 3).

James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said given the city’s global prominence as a tourism and business centre, it anticipates strong demand across all three classes.

While the route will initially be served by Jet Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft through a lease agreement, the flights will be operated by Etihad and its crew.

The Abu Dhabi carrier launches flights to Rome and Perth on July 15.