Etihad Airways to help Maharashtra with economic development

Dubai: Abu Dhabi-based airliner Etihad Airways has said that it will collaborate with Maharashtra government in identifying new areas of mutual interest to support the economic growth of the state. Etihad president and CEO James Hogan recently met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and discussed areas of collaboration, especially in tourism and cargo exports, a company statement said.

Hogan was accompanied by Vijay Poonoosamy, the airline's Vice President, International & Public Affairs and Neerja Bhatia, General Manager India. During the meeting, the two leaders outlined the priorities of the state, identifying areas of mutual interest and opportunities for Etihad Airways to support economic growth, it said.

Hogan gave Fadnavis an introduction of the airline's commercial and strategic partnership with Indian carrier Jet Airways. Etihad Airways and Jet Airways together operate more than 220 flights between India and Abu Dhabi each week, including five daily flights from Mumbai and a daily flight from Pune.

Etihad Airways was the first foreign airline to invest in an Indian carrier under the current FDI policy of India, making a $750 million investment which includes a 24 per cent equity stake in the airline. Etihad Cargo also carries more than 1,200 tonnes of Indian products and exports to key markets in Europe, US and the Middle East each week and operates a dedicated freighter operation from Mumbai.

Relations between the UAE and India are expected to grow further with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to visit the Gulf nation on August 16 and 17.