Etihad Airways launched flight service to Istanbul, Turkey on Monday, 1 June 2009. Flight EY097 took off from Abu Dhabi Airport at 9:15 am and landed in Turkey’s capital at 12:50 pm the same day.
The Formula 1tm liveried A320 aircraft was used for the inaugural flight to Istanbul, to to mark two Grand Prix events. The Formula 1tm ING Turkish Grand Prix took place this weekend and the inaugural Formula 1tm Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on 1 November 2009. Etihad Airways chief commercial officer said “We are delighted to launch flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul where we have received such warm welcome.” Peter Baumgartner added that the new service will boost tourism and increasing commercial ties between the two countries. More than 6,000 Turkish expatriates live and work in the UAE.
