Here is why an ultra-luxury airline is coming to North Carolina
The new route to Charlotte will launch in May 2026 and run four times a week.
By formula of luxury in the skies, the gap has for decades been dominated by Center Eastern airways.
Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways constantly land in the discontinuance Skytrax rankings for both their industrial and first classes, while the carriers frequently declare new tweaks and additions intended to "out-luxe" opponents: Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial and Dom Pérignon Classic 2015 in the beverage line-up, amenity kits from designer vogue, and menu alternate options providing all the things from wagyu beef and caviar to native dishes theatrically finalized in front of the traveler.
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'A strategic addition to our U.S. network': Etihad CEO
While U.S.-based travelers possess fewer alternatives to race with such airways than residents of nearby countries, Etihad Airways currently flies to four locations in the U.S.: New York, Chicago, Washington, and Boston. Along with Emirates, Etihad is one amongst the two flagship carriers of the United Arab Emirates; it runs flights to Abu Dhabi, while Emirates is the provider for Dubai.
A new Etihad route between Abu Dhabi and Atlanta is space to open on July 2, while on May 16, Etihad printed that this may also open a new flight to North Carolina in May 2026.
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"Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking teach get accurate of entry to to 1 amongst the country’s most dynamic and snappy-rising areas," Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves stated of the new route. "We’re excited to be the principle airline from our residing to wait on this market, and we be aware ahead to connecting extra travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond."
The brand new flight will breeze four cases per week on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (BA) and provide Etihad's financial system and industrial fares (the airline's first class is better on hand on planes running to the better cities.) Etihad has already opened it up for early bookings; the May 4 and May 6 dates in 2026 are currently growing for $2,143 USD on the online situation. Image provide: Shutterstock
Charlotte as a transit hub for Center Eastern travelers? Etihad bets on it
As part of its technique to return to North Carolina, Etihad named Charlotte as a "thriving centre for finance, technology, motorsport and culture," while Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a hub that can join it to diversified cities in the U.S. via its network companions.
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As Abu Dhabi's Zayed International (AUH) is one amongst few international airports stationed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) brokers for preclearance screening, travelers to Charlotte will be succesful to come to the U.S. having already crossed the border.
Exterior this system's trendy availability in Canadian airports, Eire, Aruba, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are the most effective diversified international locations the keep preclearance is on hand. In the UAE, Dubai International Airport (DXB) currently would now not possess preclearance — U.S.-accelerate travelers departing from there are required to cross the border at their arrival, as with most international flights.
The Abu Dhabi facility opened in 2014 as part of CBP efforts to streamline the good circulation of travelers to the U.S. Because the capital, Abu Dhabi changed into moreover selected attributable to the embassy and army injurious in the metropolis.
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