Etihad adds five China routes and 28 weekly flights

Etihad Airways says it will launch five new mainland China routes and add 28 weekly flights as it expands its network in the market.

In an announcement on April 13, the airline said it will fly from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Etihad said the expansion will bring its mainland China total to 35 weekly flights across six destinations, including Beijing Daxing.

The airline said all five new routes will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. It also said the move is tied to its joint venture with China Eastern Airlines and supported by its cargo partnership with SF Airlines.

Trade and aviation outlets reported the same expansion plan later the same day, repeating the five-route, 35-weekly-flight details.

Etihad did not immediately provide all booking and launch specifics in the secondary coverage reviewed, and some of the route timelines could still be refined before service begins.