Etihad expects nod to operate more flights soon

MUMBAI: The UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways has said it is hopeful of operating more flights to and from India shortly as it expects an early decision on the seat sharing formula between the two countries.

"The UAE is negotiating with India to increase the present allocation of seats. We hope it happens sooner than later," an Etihad Airways source said here.

Under the India-UAE air traffic rights agreement, Etihad can fly 13,330 seats per week on the India-Abu Dhabi sector.

"India is the largest market for us as eight of our 66 destinations are in this country. We want to deepen our connect with India," the source said.

Etihad intends to expand India operations based on market demand, the source said, adding, "we hope New Delhi will allow us to meet the traffic growth."

The source also pointed out that despite this Etihad has the least number of seats while most of the Gulf airlines operating in the country have huge seat capacity under their air traffic rights pacts.

Etihad chief executive James Hogan after a meeting with new aviation minister Vayalar Ravi last week had said that "the airline sees enormous opportunity to expand and diversify our services (in India) in the light of the unique mix of traffic and the growing position of both the countries as world-class business and holiday destinations."