Etihad Airways has officially opened a Beijing office this week to offer easy access to Etihad customers, notably corporate and diplomatic business travelers who work in the area.

The Abu-Dhabi based airline started operations in China in February 2008 and successfully launched its four-flights-per-week Abu Dhabi to Beijing service in late March.

The opening ceremony for the office was attended by the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to China Mohammed Rashed A. AL Boot, Etihad Airways Vice President Sales Adrian Parkes, and Regional General Manager Asia North, Central and Indian subcontinent Joost den Hartog.

Currently Etihad Airways operates four flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Beijing: EY888 departs Abu Dhabi airport every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 22:05 and arrives in Beijing at 09:50 the next day. Return flight EY889 departs from Beijing every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 19:10 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 00.20 the next day.

(chinahospitalitynews.com September 1, 2008)