Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline with its hub in Abu Dhabi, has expanded its business with the launch of charter and special flight services.

The flights are fully customisable; business and leisure guests can choose from a variety of flight options including a dedicated passenger service, cargo-only flight or a combined passenger and cargo package, the airline said on December 28.

This year, Etihad has flown over 500 charters including passenger, government and humanitarian flights. Over 3.8 million tonnes of cargo has been transported for the government of Abu Dhabi as part of the national aid programme.

Etihad Wellness, the airline’s health and safety programme, ensures that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained on charters flights at every stage of the journey.

As part of the Etihad Wellness programme, global COVID-19 insurance cover is included for all passengers travelling with Etihad.

Etihad also charters flights for sports teams; it had arranged a last-minute flight for Manchester City Football Club in 2019 to help them continue the Asia pre-season tour after they faced a delay on their initial journey.

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Those booked to fly with Etihad between now and December 31, 2020 will qualify for the COVID-19 cover.
The insurance, made in partnership with AXA, is valid worldwide for 31 days from four hours before passengers depart on their first Etihad flight. The cover ceases when travellers return to their home country, or after 31 days, whichever happens first.

Travellers diagnosed with COVID -19 will be automatically covered for medical expenses or quarantine costs when flying with the national airline. Travellers who want to use Etihad’s coverage must contact the assistance team as early as possible, because medical expenses taken before this will not be reimbursed.

The policy has medical cover up to €150,000 (Dh651,000), and up to €100 per day for quarantine costs for 14 days. It also covers medical repatriation for the insured person and one travel companion, plus any accompanying children.

If the infection results in death, Etihad will cover the costs of repatriating the body back to the country of departure or to another specified location, as well as reimburse up to €1,500 in funeral costs.

Travellers diagnosed with Covid-19 while on their trip must contact the airline’s COVID-19 assistance team. There is a dedicated 24-hour hotline for both Arabic (+971 4 507 4002) and English (+971 4 507 4007) speakers.
All passengers flying with Etihad must have a negative Covid-19 test before travelling, but the policy does not cover the cost of this process.

Meanwhile, Etihad said on September 7 that the pay cut for employees will be extended till end of 2020. Emirates, on the other hand, has said that it will pay full salaries from October. The Dubai carrier has resumed flights to 84 destinations.

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