Etihad Airways to Open Premium Manchester Airport Lounge

Abu Dhabi’s flag airline Etihad Airways has announced plans to open a permium lounge in Terminal 1 of Manchester Airport this year. The airline says that this may create as many as 200 jobs at a new call centre.

The lounge will be the third for Etihad Airways in a foreign country after opening two in London and Frankfurt. There will be a business centre, nannies for children, a relaxation area, five-star dining, bathrooms and a prayer room in the lounge.

Peter Baumgartner, the chief commercial officer for Etihad Airways, said that their decision to open a lounge at Manchester Airport is another example of their long-term commitment to such an important route. The ties between Abu Dhabi and Manchester have never been better, he continued. They recently announced a 60% increase in capacity on the route starting June, he added, and they keep looking for partnership opportunities that deliver benefits for both regions.

Manchester Airport managing director Andrew Cornish said that Etihad Airways’ service to Abu Dhabi is a crucial link between the regions. Adding a premium lounge demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the route, he added, and is a key enhancement for the airport, particularly with the added capacity of the Boeing 777-300, which will begin operations in June.

Etihad Airways is a sponsor of the Manchester City Football Club. The carrier operates 7 flights to Abu Dhabi every week. The airline’s chief James Hogan says that the city is contending with Brussels and Dublin for a new call centre in Europe for the carrier. They are expected to make a decision on its location later this year.