Etihad Airways has announced it is to double the frequency of its service between Manchester and Abu Dhabi from August this year.
The move will take the number of flights from the northern airport from seven to 14 each week, more than the planned 10 a week previously announced.
Etihad said it “continues to build its commitment to Manchester and the north west region of England following the opening of its first and business class lounge at Manchester Airport in November 2010”.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive, said: “The frequency increase illustrates how Etihad has firmly established itself in the north west of England and that we are now the airline of choice for business and leisure travellers, whether flying to Abu Dhabi or transferring through to destinations in the east, such as Australia, Thailand and Japan.”
Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport’s managing director, added: “Following the increase in flights and the opening of the premium lounge in Terminal 1 at the end of last year, Etihad has again shown its commitment to the North of England by increasing the frequency of the service.
“We know it’s something that our passengers require and the announcement demonstrates the important links we have to the Middle East and the onward connections available from Abu Dhabi.
“It also underlines the continuing strength of Manchester to the major global carriers and our network of long-haul flights.”