Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler`s Representative in the Eastern Region and Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, hailed the role of the new Al Itihad Airline in contributing to the economy and tourist sectors. Talking on the occasion of the Airline`s maiden flight from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain International Airport Wednesday evening, Sheikh Tahnoun expressed his delight at such significant achievement that had been realised with the support and patronage of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the constant follow up of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

He said the launching of Al Itihad Airline would impact positively on the national economy, expressing the hope that the airline would attain a prominent position in a short time. Meanwhile, Dr. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Board Chairman of the Al Itihad Airline, said that the airline would work on commercial and economical oriented airline and that its budget was expected to reach one billion dirhams over the next five years.

He added that Al Itihad was expected to fly to 16 destinations in the Middle East after which it would reach many places in South East Asian countries. Sheikh Ahmed said that the fleet of the airline was expected to rise to 8 aircraft of latest airbus by the end of next year, noting that the airline would focus on providing high quality services for all passengers. The pricing policy of the airline has been laid down according to market mechanism and will suit with the requirements of all customers in light of the stiff market competition, he said.

We are going to grab a good share of this growing market next year, he said, pointing out that the airline will not seek to monopolize passengers from government sectors. He added that the Al Itihad would not affect airline`s already operating in the country but would work to complement them and that the market was open before all, noting that the company will run direct flights from and to Al Ain by the end of the airline`s first year.