CHICAGO: Chicago Aviation history recorded on September 2, 2009, the launch of Etihad Airway’s non-stop flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi that connected travelers to its worldwide destinations. Since then, the service has gradually developed as the favorite choice of travelers to India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and many other destinations.
Etihad Airways’ Chicago team hosted a celebration dinner for the 5th Anniversary of the successful operation of this Chicago service at Sofitel Hotel in downtown last week. A large number of guests from within the travel industry, City of Chicago, Chicago Aviation, and other fields attended the event.
Addressing the guests, Denise Harvill, Vice President of Central USA, thanked all for joining the celebration dinner. She also thanked loyal travel agents for selling on behalf of Etihad Airways and other supporters. Denise remarked that soon after the Chicago launch, the Etihad Airways service in the Americas has expanded to include Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and an additional daily flight from New York.
By the end of this year, Etihad Airways service will also begin from San Francisco and Dallas/Fortworth. “As we grow,” Denise said, “we continue reimagining flying. We have introduced the most exclusive flying experience in the sky: the world’s first three-room private suite onboard our new A380, designed for up to two guests.
Relax in the living room of The Residence, on plush Poltrona Frau leather sofa, and enjoy the latest entertainment on a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Ask your personal Butler to set up your dining table and enjoy the gourmet meal prepared exclusively for you by our Inflight Chef. Only Etihad Airways could have created this remarkable travel experience.”
Earlier, Murielle Achkar welcomed the guests on behalf of the Chicago Etihad team. She also thanked the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, HALA Abu Dhabi, and Sofitel Chicago Water Tower for supporting the event.
Attractive prizes were distributed in a raffle. Munther Abdallah from Morgan Stanley and Jay Bhagat from Krisbi Travel got the second and first prize respectively. Evia Travel’s AQ Siddiqui was the lucky winner for the grand prize with two business class tickets and a three-night stay at Sofitel Abu Dhabi and a Safari Dinner.
Etihad Airways operates a daily flight from Chicago, connecting to many destinations worldwide. Many travelers prefer Etihad Airways for the convenient and efficient transfers to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East.
There is yet another attraction for travelers on Etihad. As they return, US Customs and immigration is completed in Abu Dhabi during transit hours, so that travelers may walk out as domestic passengers in Chicago, New York, Washington, and many other destinations in the US. A frequent traveler described it as the “most exclusive service” offered only by Etihad Airways in the world. For Indian travelers, Etihad has joined partnership with Jet Airways connecting to various Indian destinations
A.Q. Siddiqui
India Post News Service