Etihad Airways Launches Flights to Seoul, South Korea

Etihad Airways has launched flights between Abu Dhabi and Seoul’s Incheon Airport in South Korea.

Seoul is Etihad’s 65th destination on the network in just seven years of operations. The inaugural flight, EY876, will depart Abu Dhabi at 10:45pm, arriving at Seoul’s Incheon Airport at 12:05pm on 11 December (local times).

Etihad will operate a daily A330-200 three-class service, offering 2,800 seats each week on the route.

The new services will operate under an Etihad Airways (EY) and Asiana (OZ) flight code, following the codeshare agreement signed between the two airlines in October.

To mark the launch, Etihad Airways has unveiled special fare deals to Seoul, including ‘two for one’ Coral Economy class fares and discounted fares in Pearl Business class.

Until December 31, customers who purchase a ticket in Coral Economy class from Abu Dhabi to Seoul will be offered one free Coral Economy ticket to Seoul valid for outbound travel up to 31 December 2010.

Discounted fares for travel from Abu Dhabi to Seoul in Pearl Business class start from AED 13,330. The sales period runs until 15 December 2010, with the outbound travel period valid  up to 10 February 2011.

Members of the airline’s Etihad Guest loyalty program can also earn double Etihad Guest miles when travelling to Seoul, valid until 10 January 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

“We are delighted to commence services to South Korea, which has been a target destination for us for some time,” said Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan. “There is a strong relationship between South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, built over a 40-year history of bilateral trade relationships between the countries ... We are confident this new route will be a success for both our passenger and cargo operations, and we look forward to facilitating business and leisure traffic between the two countries.”

South Korea is emerging as a key trading partner for the UAE, with Korean companies maintaining a strong presence in the UAE, particularly in the energy sector, construction and technology, and more than 5,000 Korean nationals living and working in the UAE.