Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi – Dublin service from 10 flights per week, to double daily from 15 July 2014. The frequency boost of 40% will provide 8,988 seats each week. The airline will operate a Boeing 777-300 ER, configured to carry 380 passengers with 40 in business class and 340 in economy class, and an Airbus A330-200, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in business class and 240 in economy class. The schedule for double daily flights will ensure connectivity both ways with 800 weekly connections. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, said: “The increase in flight frequency will benefit business and leisure travel not only between Ireland and UAE, but also right across the Etihad Airways network. This will also work well for countries which have a connection with Ireland like Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.” The airline has a number of key investments in Ireland including a line maintenance facility and premium lounge at Dublin Airport, as well as cultural partnerships with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) hurling and The Gathering Ireland 2013. Source: Travel Daily