Etihad Airways plans to operate a limited network of scheduled passenger services from next month.
The UAE carrier aims to gradually return to a fuller schedule “as and when” the global situation improves, subject to the Gulf state’s restrictions being lifted on passenger travel.
The initial reduced network is scheduled from May 1 to June 30 despite Covid-19 travel restrictions remaining in place around the world.
Etihad is continuing to run a growing schedule of special passenger flights allowing foreign nationals in the UAE to leave the country.
With 80% of its passenger fleet grounded, the airline has embarked on the biggest aircraft maintenance programme in its history.
Passengers who booked direct with the airline before August 31, now have greater flexibility to change their bookings or to utilise a value-added ‘Etihad Credit’ where possible, according to the carrier.
The credit will provide each passenger with the value of their current unused ticket and up to $400, plus up to 5,000 loyalty scheme miles for future travel.
Refunds are also available for tickets purchased directly from Etihad within Europe or the US.
Group chief executive Tony Douglas said: “The term ‘unprecedented’ is currently the most used in our industry, and the most appropriate.
“The monumental challenges being faced by all airlines, and our customers, have been beyond measure.
“However, we remain cautiously optimistic and will push ahead with our plans to resume normal flying, while striving to better serve and support our customers and our employees.
“While the intention is to assume a ‘business as usual’ approach to the re-start of our operations, the aviation landscape has changed, and how it will look month by month is difficult to predict.
“This has necessitated a fundamental shift in focus for us.
“However, the cumulative gains achieved by our ongoing transformation, and the unwavering support of our shareholder, has left us in a relatively strong position to withstand any instability.
“We will pivot on this and act with agility to seize opportunities we may not have previously considered.”
He added: “We are implementing a series of network-wide route and fleet efficiencies, while conducting an extensive brand study and trialling new service concepts in our guest experience proposition.
“We are also using this time to drive further internal improvements in the efficient use of automation and technology across all areas of the business, while maintaining productivity, creativity and quality.”
Etihad is currently using 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777-300ER aircraft, with five more ready for service, to complement five 777-200F freighters.