Swiss airline Darwin to change name after partnership with Etihad

Etihad Regional will align its network to connect passengers from secondary European markets on to the main networks of Etihad Airways and its equity-alliance partners. Etihad Airways will also launch daily services next June 1 from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, which will become one of Darwin Airline’s main operating hubs.

“This is a step-change for Etihad Airways. With our new partner Darwin Airline, we are creating a unique approach to network development for global airlines,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer.

The Etihad Regional network will also be linked into the key hubs of the parent company’s equity-alliance partners, aimed at benefiting the customers of Air Berlin and Air Serbia.

“This is not just a great new offer for European travellers. It is also great news for Darwin Airline, which will see increased investment, greater sales and marketing opportunities, and the chance to benefit from Etihad Airways’ global network,” Hogan said.

He said the new approach could be extended to other markets over time.

“This new model is one that can bring the Etihad badge of quality to air travellers around the world. In just a decade, we have established the Etihad brand as one of the most recognised and most highly regarded in aviation. This model offers a new direction for that brand in future.”

This announcement on Thursday followed a deal with Jet Airways. Etihad on Wednesday closed that deal for a 24-per-cent stake in the Indian airline.

Agence France-Presse reported that Hogan said: “India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world and a key part of the Etihad Airways’ growth strategy. In the past two years, Etihad has bought minority holdings in Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Air Seychelles, but the move into India is one of its boldest expansion steps.”

Darwin Airline is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with its major hub in Geneva. It currently offers scheduled flights to 21 destinations in Europe using a fleet of 10 50-seat Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft.

The investment will give Etihad Airways access to regional markets in Europe, and enable a major expansion of Darwin Airline’s operations.

By mid-2014, Darwin Airline will add 21 new routes and 18 new destinations. Its network will then include six European gateways served by Etihad Airways – Geneva, Amsterdam, Paris, Duesseldorf, Belgrade and, commencing in June, Zurich.

“We have built a solid position in regional markets across Europe, and through this partnership we can add another major dimension, enabling our customers to access the global network of destinations offered by Etihad Airways, while providing fresh options for overseas visitors to travel through Europe on our flights,” said Maurizio Merlo, CEO of Darwin Airline.

“This arrangement is new and exciting for both airlines and represents fresh thinking in our industry. It also demonstrates clearly the strategy of thinking globally and acting locally to benefit the customers of both companies.”