World’s leading airline touches down in Perth

In a major boost for the tourism industry, the first Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Western Australia will land at Perth International Airport today.

Acting Tourism Minister John Day said the airline, which has been named the World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for the past five years, would offer a direct daily service between Perth and the United Arab Emirates.

“Etihad has an outstanding reputation and an extensive international network that services 84 passenger and cargo destinations worldwide,” Mr Day said.

“Not only will the new service between Perth and Abu Dhabi offer new connections to the Middle East, but also to many other locations around the world including our key markets such as the UK, the USA and Germany.”

The Acting Minister said Etihad Airways was the fourth international airline to commence flights into Western Australia in the past four years.

“Since 2011, four international airlines have added Perth to their networks, which has improved air access and increased the number of visitors coming to WA,” he said.

“Tourism will play an important role in the State’s economic future. The industry accounts for more than 91,000 jobs and in the 12 months to March 2014, contributed $8billion in visitor spend to WA’s economy.

“Establishing new and expanding existing air routes is an important part of the State Government’s strategy to increase the value of tourism in WA to $12billion by 2020.

“Attracting airlines such as Etihad Airways to Western Australia will help us achieve that goal.”