First Etihad regional-branded aircraft unveiled in Zurich

Established in partnership with UAE national carrier, Etihad Airways, the new carrier will be operated by Switzerland’s Darwin Airline, which is headquartered in Lugano with a major hub in Geneva. 

The first aircraft to feature Etihad Regional’s branding, a 50-seat Saab 2000, and new cabin interiors and crew uniforms were showcased for the first time to international media at Zurich Airport, alongside an Etihad Airways Airbus A330-300 aircraft. In the evening VIP guests attended a reception at the Dolder Grand Hotel. 

The new livery will adorn all 10 aircraft in the fleet by the end of June 2014. 

James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, explained that the strategy behind Etihad Regional was to build strong regional airline partnerships around the world. 

“Etihad Regional will provide a unique opportunity to strengthen vitally important regional networks and connect them to the rapidly expanding global network of Etihad Airways. 

“We will choose partners, as we have done with Darwin Airline, which share our passion for delivering an outstanding service to travellers, with greater choice and more convenience.” 

Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will acquire a 33.3 per cent stake in Darwin Airline as part of its equity airline alliance strategy. Darwin Airline will become the seventh member of the international alliance and Etihad Airways’ fourth partner in Europe. 

Maurizio Merlo, chief executive officer of Darwin Airline, said: “Etihad Regional is good news for travellers and for Europe’s regional economies. We have a clear strategy and firm commitment to build a strong regional airline linking European cities and towns and provincial centres, which also connect to the broader global network of Etihad Airways. 

“What makes Etihad Regional unique is the way Etihad Airways and its equity alliance partners, in particular airberlin and Air Serbia, can also feed passengers into the regional network. 

“We expect that as Etihad Regional expands, it will be able to offer more direct employment locally, and further indirect employment opportunities in connecting regional markets.”