WAM Abu Dhabi, Aug 16th, 2012 (WAM) -- Etihad Airways, has announced plans to increase flights between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi from three times a week to a daily service from February 1 next year.

This will bring to 28 the total number of flights Etihad Airways operates between Australia and Abu Dhabi, together with partner airline Virgin Australia. The additional four services will continue to operate via Singapore in both directions and provide a new daily link between the city pairs.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the increase in frequency was a game-changing move for the airline on the Abu Dhabi-Singapore-Australia route.

"Going daily to Brisbane and Singapore puts Etihad Airways in a stronger competitive position and will increase the airline's brand footprint exponentially in these markets.

"We are now able to offer corporate and leisure travellers a more appealing proposition: more flights, more convenience, improved connections and a wider choice of destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Gulf Cooperation Countries, and on the Virgin Australia domestic network.

"These extra flights to Brisbane and Singapore underscore the strategic importance of Australia and the Asia Pacific region and the contribution each makes to the airline's goal of sustainable profitability.

"We look forward to working with our partners in government and industry to increase business and leisure tourism and to cement the route's enduring success," he added.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said Etihad's plan to increase the number of flights was a boost to Queensland's economy and the tourism industry.

"This will see thousands of extra people a year coming into Queensland, injecting millions of dollars into our economy and resulting in more jobs being created," he said and added "More flights into the state opens up opportunities for international travellers to see some of the many wonderful tourist attractions Queensland has to offer." WAM/AM