Etihad Airways was established in 2003 and is one of the United Arab Emirates' two flag carriers. Etihad operates a fleet of 89 aircraft, including various Airbus and Boeing models. The airline flies to over 70 destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

In July, the airline serves four US destinations from its Abu Dhabi (AUH) base. Etihad employs a variety of aircraft on the routes but primarily uses its Boeing 787-9s. The longest route is Abu Dhabi (AUH)–Chicago O’Hare (ORD), at 7,275 miles (11,708 km) each way. The most popular route is to New York (JFK), with 124 flights scheduled for the month.

Etihad enjoys a competitive edge by being the sole provider of direct flights from Abu Dhabi to these four US cities. Additionally, the airline’s use of the newest and most innovative aircraft ensures a unique and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways was established in 2003 and is one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s two flag carriers, alongside Emirates. The name “Etihad” was chosen because it means “union” or “unity” in Arabic, and the airline’s founders wanted all seven of the UAE’s Emirates (federated states) to be represented.

Etihad is based in Abu Dhabi (AUH) and is the second-largest airline in the UAE, after Emirates. According to its website, the airline flies to over 70 destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Etihad’s fleet consists of 89 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including:

• Airbus A320
• Airbus A321
• Airbus A350
• Airbus A380
• Boeing 777
• Boeing 787

Per ch-aviation, Etihad’s Boeing fleet is its largest, with 57 active aircraft. Etihad’s largest Boeing fleet is its 787 fleet, with 33 active 787-9s and nine 787-10s.

In July, Etihad will fly to four US destinations from its base in Abu Dhabi (AUH). According to Cirium, a data analytics company, the airline will operate 284 flights between the UAE and the US this month, providing transportation for up to 93,772 passengers. Most of these flights will be operated by the airline’s 787-9s, although Airbuses are also used on some routes.

The longest route: Chicago

The longest Etihad route to the US is between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). The airline will operate 62 total flights in the corridor in July (31 from each city). Each of these daily flights covers 7,275 miles (11,708 km) and is scheduled to take 14 hours and 45 minutes.

For its flights to and from the Windy City, Etihad Airways operates its A350-1000s. Each of the airline's A350s can transport up to 371 passengers, per aeroLOPA.

Etihad’s newer Airbuses offer passengers an innovative travel experience and help Etihad maintain its commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Although Chicago is the only US receiving Etihad A350 flights, the airline also uses the fleet on routes from Abu Dhabi to other popular destinations, including:

• Mumbai (BOM)
• New Delhi (DEL)
• Paris (CDG)
• Tokyo (NRT)
• Zurich (ZRH)

Etihad faces no competition in the AUH–ORD corridor. It is the only airline offering direct flights between the two cities in July.

Second place: Washington, DC

Like its flights to ORD, Etihad’s second-longest route has 62 scheduled operations in July. The Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Washington DC (IAD) route is 7,088 miles (11,407 km), with a scheduled flight time of 14 and a half hours. However, Flightradar24 shows that most flights arrive at their destination in around 13 and a half hours.

Etihad uses its Boeing 787-9s in the AUH–IAD corridor, which seats up to 303 passengers in a two-class configuration. The business class features Collins Aerospace Elements seats with closing suite privacy doors and other exciting elements that are sure to please passengers.

Although other airlines, such as United Airlines and Qatar Airways, offer flights from AUH to IAD, they have connections in London (LHR) or Doha (DOH). Etihad is the only airline operating direct AUH–IAD flights in July.

The most popular route: New York

Etihad’s third-longest (and most popular) route to the US connects Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New York (JFK). In July, the airline will fly a total of 124 flights (62 each way) in the corridor. This provides two daily flights from each city, allowing passengers flexibility in their travel plans.

According to Etihad’s website, the 6,867-mile (11,051 km) flight has a scheduled flight time of just over 14 hours. Most flights arrive at their destination after 13 and a half hours, although some complete the journey in under 13 hours.

Etihad uses some of its largest aircraft for this long-haul flight. The airline’s Airbus A380-800s and Boeing 787-9s both operate on this route, providing passengers with the highest level of comfort and allowing the airline to maximize its profits.

Etihad Airways does not have any competitors on this route in July. Although other airlines operate connecting flights to JFK from airports such as London Heathrow (LHR) and Paris (CDG), Etihad is the only airline operating direct flights to and from AUH and JFK.

Last but not least, Boston

The final July Etihad route to the US is from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Boston (BOS). The 6,681-mile (10,752 km) flight will be offered approximately every other day this month, with a total of 36 flights in the corridor.

The scheduled flight time along this route is 13 hours 45 minutes, but the average is closer to just under 13 hours. Once more, Etihad’s largest fleet (Boeing 787-9) is used on these flights. Etihad is again the only airline offering direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Boston.