Etihad forges ahead, opens new office in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways opened a new office in Singapore yesterday emphasizing the importance it places on this market.

The airline reiterated its plans for expansion in the region and worldwide despite the challenges facing the aviation industry such as sky rocketing fuel prices.

Said Cramer Ball, regional general manager, Asia Pacific, South and Australasia, Etihad Airways, “In terms of growth we are continually reviewing this region but other regions as well, there are growth plans. Without a doubt this is a challenging environment, fuel is a huge part of our operating costs, we have a very young fleet, which is a small advantage.”

Etihad is seeking to entrench its branding, drive profitability and highlight its service standards further in the market being a relative new comer to the industry. Ball said that Etihad's advantage lies in that it does not have the baggage of a legacy carrier. The carrier has four A380s on order besides other aircraft all costing US$8 billion.