Etihad set to expand in South America

Etihad Airways is keen to expand its footprint in South America, said its president and CEO James Hogan.
Hogan said the airline is currently in discussions with South American-based carriers about potential commercial partnerships.
Etihad Airways currently has 38 codeshare partnerships with airlines around the globe, resulting in a combined network of 323 destinations, more than any other Middle Eastern airline.
The airline will launch its first route in South America on June 1, 2013, with daily non-stop flights between Sao Paulo, Brazil and Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways’ service will also provide seamless connections from Brazil to the airline’s global network.
Hogan spoke of the significance of the new route, in particular the economic impact.
“Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, now ranking as the sixth largest since overtaking the UK in 2011. Bi-lateral trade between Brazil and the UAE is valued at nearly $ 3 billion annually, with authorities aiming to lift this to $ 10 billion within five years.”
He added: “There are 25 major Brazilian companies with offices in Abu Dhabi. Mubadala, the development company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, last year signaled its intent to begin investments in Brazil, valued at up to $ 13 billion.
Hogan was in Sao Paulo recently to meet prominent local diplomats, travel industry executives, media and corporate representatives.
He also said: “According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Brazil trade volumes with the Arab world grew by 28 percent in 2011 to reach $ 25 billion. This is forecasted to grow by a further 10 percent — 15 percent this year.”
Hogan said: “In addition to supporting the growing ties between Brazil and the Middle East, this new route complements Etihad Airways’ recent expansion in North Asia, including the recent introduction of services to Chengdu and Shanghai and the upcoming increase to daily Tokyo services with connections to Nagoya from April 2013.”
He added: “With some of the fastest connecting flight times to China and Japan, Brazil’s largest and fifth largest trade partner, respectively, Etihad Airways is providing vital air links between the world’s major emerging markets.”