Etihad to launch daily service between Delhi and San Francisco

MUMBAI: Gulf carrier Etihad today said it will launch a daily flight from New Delhi to San Francisco from November, providing an important air-link between the national capital and the Californian city.

San Francisco is home to thousands of Indians and the new service, scheduled to launch from November 18, will benefit business and leisure passengers flying from New Delhi, Etihad said in a release here.

Etihad Airways will operate a three-cabin Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which has been leased from Jet Airways, to cater to the new route, it said.

The new service will also enhance the growing US-India trade and commercial ties, particularly in the technology industry as seven out of the top 10 social media companies, including facebook, YouTube, twitter and LinkedIn, are based in the Bay Area, Etihad said.

" Etihad Airways is renowned for its growing global flight network which provides an important link to Indian communities around the world, especially those living in the United States," said Eitihad Airways President and chief executive James Hogan.

The aircraft will have 346 passengers, with eight in the first class, 30 in business class and 308 in economy class, the release said.