Also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Etihad’s Vice President Europe, Joost den Hartog, the UAE Embassy’s Attaché Ammar Omar Al Breiki, government officials and businessmen.

The minister praised the airline, that has been flying to Cyprus for the past six years, adding that the national airline of the UAE chose to invest in the Cypriot economy at a critical time, greatly supporting the growth of business and leisure traffic, not only between Cyprus and the UAE, but also between Cyprus and a wide range of destinations around the world.

The airline’s Cyprus commercial team, which has been operating from offices in Larnaca for the past six years, will now move to the new offices, strategically located in the centre of the capital.

Etihad’s Joost den Hartog said: “The launch of the new offices and the relocation of our commercial team to Nicosia makes sound business sense. It will bring us closer to our corporate customers and travel trade partners while also reflecting our commitment to growing our operations in Cyprus.”

Etihad Airways’ General Manager for Cyprus, Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi, added: “During our six years of operation in Cyprus, we have experienced positive growth and enhanced cooperation with the local travel industry. Moving to Nicosia, which is the main financial and international business centre, is an opportunity to further grow our business with existing and new partners.”

Etihad Airways commenced operations between Abu Dhabi and Larnaca in June 2009 and since then has supported the growth of business and leisure traffic via Abu Dhabi by offering travellers a greater choice of destinations across the Gulf region, Indian Sub-continent, Asia and Australia.

Etihad operates a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft to Cyprus, with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Source: Financial Mirror