Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, made its first commercial flight in November 2003.

Etihad has continued to expand its global flight network and fleet of aircraft at a record-breaking pace whilst at the same time introducing award-winning services to its customers flying to more than 55 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

New destinations launched during 2009 include Melbourne, Astana, Istanbul, Athens, Larnaca, Chicago, Cape Town and Hyderabad. Etihad offers the highest standards of service and comfort both on the ground and in the air.

Customers can enjoy world-class cuisine, award-winning flat-beds in its premium cabins and the widest seats in economy, as well as more than 600 hours of on-demand in-flight entertainment.

Etihad operates one of youngest and most environmentally-efficient fleets in the world, a fleet which is set to grow to 52 by the end of 2009.

The profile of the airline has grown substantially with the signing of a number of major international sporting sponsorship deals, including with Manchester City Football Club, Harlequins Rugby Football Club and the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships as well as the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

Etihad is also a sponsor of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 racing team and the title sponsor of the Formula 1â„¢ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.