Emirates Airlines vs Etihad Airways
Comparison between Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways revealed some interesting differences in their facilities and services. Both, Emirates and Etihad, are well known as distinguished carrier services in the world. Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways are two premium airlines of the Arab world operating out of UAE. While Emirates is based in Dubai, Etihad is based in Abu Dhabi. It is difficult to directly differentiate between two of the major airlines from United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially when they consider each other a bitter rival, let us first know a bit about both of them. Emirates has a fleet of 221 and Etihad has a fleet of 102. Emirates has got a 4 star rating from Skytrax, but Etihad’s rating is not done (as viewed in December 2014)
More about Emirates Airlines
Emirates is the largest airline in the entire Middle East. It connects Dubai with 142 destinations in 78 countries all over the world. Emirates is a part of the larger group called “The Emirates Group” having over 50000 employees. It is owned by the government of Dubai. Emirates also indulges in cargo operations under Emirates SkyCargo division. Emirates belongs to top ten airlines of the world as far as revenue and passengers are concerned. Emirates has carved a niche for itself and is considered a brand in the aviation sector. It is known for excellent customer service, fast growth and an airline that has consistently produced profits. Emirates created record of sorts when it became a profit making venture within nine months of commencing operations in 1985.
More about Etihad Airways
Etihad, on the other hand, is a premium airline of Abu Dhabi. It is the National Airline of the UAE. It is conducting 147 daily flights to more than 63 destinations in 42 countries. Etihad has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi with Abu Dhabi International Airport as its base. Etihad also has a cargo airline and earning huge revenue through cargo operations. Etihad is considered to be the fastest growing airline in the world. Despite carrying more than 6 million passengers annually, Etihad has never posted a profit and is expected to breakthrough only after few more years. In 2009, Etihad won the World’s Leading Airline award at WTA. It also has a 5 star rating for its First and Business classes.
What is the difference between Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways?
Talking of the differences between the two premium airlines from UAE, there is not much to choose from as both have excellent facilities for the passengers and strive to be the best in the world. However, based upon reviews of customers, here is how the two fare.
• Though Emirates was considered to be the superior of the two, Etihad has grown rapidly and has managed to bridge the gap in recent times.
• While Emirates has a world class airport base in Dubai, the base of Etihad at Abu Dhabi is pathetic in comparison.
• Etihad’s cabin layout and design is better than that of Emirates.
• Etihad provide more leg space, and their 3-3-3 spacing is considered better than 3-4-3 arrangement of Emirates.
• Lounges and on board amenities (showers spas, onboard bar) in Emirates is better than in Etihad Airways.
• Emirates was once a top notch airline now falling in standards while Etihad is rising in stature all the time.
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