Etihad launches daily San Francisco flights from November 18

Etihad Airways will begin daily flights to San Francisco on November 18th 2014.

The flights will run on a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft – but one leased from its partner Jet Airways rather than from Etihad's own fleet.

So while the aircraft will have eight seats in first class, 30 business class berths and 308 seats in economy, those will all be using Jet's seats instead of Etihad's. The Gulf carrier will provide the crew plus catering.

The timetable sees flight EY183 departing Abu Dhabi at 2.15am to reach San Francisco at 6.30am, with the return leg EY182 wheels-up from San Francisco at 8.30am for arrival into Abu Dhabi at 12.40pm.

Etihad already operates double-daily flights to New York plus daily flights to Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington DC, with Dallas/Fort Worth following  from December 3rd.

“San Francisco is another strong addition and provides our first direct link to Northern California" said Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan.

“This launch is also testament to our successful partnership with Jet Airways, as the route will be initiated using their Boeing 777-300ER aircraft through a lease agreement; the flights will be operated by Etihad Airways and its crew.”

Etihad also has ambitious plans for 2015 with six new destinations, new Boeing 787 routes plus the debut of first class on flights to Brisbane, Singapore and Moscow all slated for the first six months of the year.

Read: Etihad bullish on new routes and first class services for 2015

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David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.