Etihad Airways today announced plans to operate to Brazil, the airline’s first South American destination. The daily Sao Paulo flights are scheduled to commence on 1st of June, 2013. The service will utilize an Airbus A340-600 aircraft in three class seating configuration (12 first, 32 business and 248 economy), totaling 2,044 seats per week. 

The service will be the first direct air connection between Abu Dhabi and any South American destination. Brazil is the world’s sixth largest economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and overtook the UK in 2011 in that respect. It is the largest country in South America with a population of approximately 200 million. 

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and chief executive officer said, “Brazil is a logical next step for us and will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline.

“Business and tourism flows between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brazil have been growing and will be strengthened by our daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Sao Paulo.”

João de Mendonça Lima Neto Brazil’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates added, “I congratulate Etihad Airways on today’s announcement that it will open a daily direct flight between Abu Dhabi, and São Paulo, the commercial and financial centre of Brazil.
 
“We are witnessing significant growth in the bilateral relations between Brazil and the UAE and we are certain that Etihad Airways flights will create new opportunities for government, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.”

Gastão Dias Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Tourism commented: “These direct flights by Etihad Airways provides yet another link for our people, cultures and business. 

“Brazil and the UAE share a positive relationship halfway across the globe, marked by an open political dialogue, thriving trade and investments, and an increasing number of travellers. 
 
“Even before the inaugural flight, our country has already been part of Etihad’s success story, as many Brazilian pilots and flight attendants have joined the company over the years.” 

“At the same time, Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and offers a wide array of opportunities for trade and investment. São Paulo is a vibrant city and a preferred business destination in Latin America. As the first Etihad destination in the region, it is also a gateway for neighbouring countries.
More than 50 Brazilian nationals work for Etihad Airways, including 18 pilots and 27 cabin crew. All are based in the UAE.
 
Brazil is currently the UAE’s fourth largest trading partner with bi-lateral trade between the two countries valued at US$2.85 billion. Authorities hope to lift this to US$10 billion within five years.
 
There are 25 major Brazilian companies with offices in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE buys sugar, soya beans, meat, aircraft, heavy oils, tractors and construction vehicles from the South American country. Exports from the UAE to Brazil include oil rigs, aviation fuel, steel, aluminium goods and plastics.

Proposed flight schedule:

Flight #	Departs	Departure Time	Arrives	Arrival Time	Frequency	Duration
EY171	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	9.45am	Sao Paulo (GRU)	5.55pm	Daily	15hr
EY170	Sao Paulo (GRU)	12.35am	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	8.20pm	Daily	14hr