Etihad launches daily D.C. to Abu Dhabi service to meet business demand

Skift Take
Etihad isn't just dipping its toes in with this: Daily service is one big splash that reminds the U.S. market that Etihad isn't going into this gently.
Etihad Airways has started non-stop daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Washington D.C., the first direct air link between the two capitals.
The route is served by a three-class Airbus A340-500 aircraft, with 12 first, 28 business and 200 economy seats.
The new service to Washington Dulles International Airport has been introduced to meet strong demand for government and business travel, as well as growing demand for leisure trips between and beyond the cities.
Up Next
Experiences
How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok
Driven by increased spending on experiences and the digital habits of younger audiences, TikTok has emerged as a key platform for inspiring and shaping travel decisions. Leveraging the platform’s reach early in the year presents a unique opportunity for travel brands to connect with eager travelers.
Sponsored Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb's Dominance and Booking's Gains in 1 Chart
The big three online travel agencies are generating almost three-quarters of the short-term rental revenue on the planet. The rest of the crowd is seeing their previous foothold diminishing.
Startups
In-Flight Messaging and Indian Budget Hotels: Travel Startups Raise $86 Million
A growing number of startups focused on Indian travelers have been raising money in the past couple of years.
Hotels
Australia's Gold Coast Devastated by Cyclone, Officials Race to Restore Tourism
The Gold Coast’s swift recovery efforts highlight the region’s resilience but the long-term threat of climate change means these disasters may only become more frequent and costly.
Business Travel
Extended Stay America CEO Sees 'Softness' – How He'd Handle a Mild Recession
Extended Stay America's CEO Greg Juceam believes the company's focus on long-term accommodations provides resilience against economic uncertainty, with its diverse customer base of housing transitioners and extended business travelers acting as a buffer.