Etihad Airways will launch the first ever non-stop service between Western Australia and Abu Dhabi from mid-2014, catering to the growing demand for travel between the two points and beyond.

The United Arab Emirates’ national carrier will commence daily flights to Perth from 15 July 2014.

Etihad Airways’ studies have determined a significant business opportunity on the Perth route, with WA overseas travellers averaging an annual growth rate of 8.5 percent in the last three years.

“The new services will build the first ever commercial air bridge between Perth and Abu Dhabi and will cater to the growing demand for travel between these two points and beyond to Africa, the Middle East and Europe,” Etihad Airways president and chief executive James Hogan said.

Almost one third of the top 300 Australian companies have headquarters in Perth, with vested commercial interests in Africa and the Middle East, translating into strong demand for the route.

“Our partnership with Virgin Australia and codeshare flights to 14 towns and cities in its Western Australia regional network adds immensely to the strength of the business case for the route.”

The new direct service represents the fourth Australian gateway between Australia and Abu Dhabi.

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