Jet Airways on Thursday announced the launch of its first daily and direct international air service between Ahmedabad and Abu Dhabi on March 29.

The airline will offer non-stop service between Ahmedabad, the financial capital of Gujarat, and Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s commercial capital. It will also offer one-stop options over Abu Dhabi to Europe, the Gulf, North Africa and Africa, Rajeev Nambiar, Vice-President, India Sales, Jet Airways, told reporters here.

Connecting people

As part of the airline’s plan to enhance global connectivity from India’s emerging metros, introduction of this new service will allow guests to avail of multiple travel options, including customs clearance, through Abu Dhabi to various destinations.

With an introductory offer of ₹12,500 for a return trip in economy class — the regular return fare will be ₹15,000. Jet Airways’ flight 9W 520 will depart from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, at 05.00 hours and arrive at Abu Dhabi at 06.50 hours (local time).

The return flight 9W 519 will depart Abu Dhabi at 21.55 hours (local time) and arrive at Ahmedabad at 02.30 hours the following day.

“This flight will also be code-shared by our partner Etihad Airways,” he said. Replying to questions, Nambiar said the very first flight has shown 70-80 per cent “load factor” when bookings began in February. Jet Airways currently operates 7 flights in Gujarat and Surat is being considered as the next destination.

The airline’s capacity in India is proposed to go up by 18 per cent this year. Currently, Jet Airways operates 450 flights on domestic routes with a 24 per cent market share in India and 150 flights on global routes, with a 12 per cent market share. The company is expected to see sales increase by 12 per cent this year.

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