It seems that Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways will be joining Emirates in offering double-daily services to the the Irish Capital, with the confirmation a that Etihad will be increasing its flights from 10 per week to 14
The new timetable looks like this:
Abu Dhabi to Dublin
EY045 DEPART AUH 02:25 ARRIVE DUB 07:30
EY041 DEPART AUH 09:15 ARRIVE DUB 14:25
Dublin to Abu Dhabi
EY042 DEPART DUB 09:20 ARRIVE AUH 19:40
EY048 DEPART DUB 20:55 ARRIVE AUH 07:20+1
Commences: 15th July 2014
Operates Daily
EY045/042 operates with an Airbus A330-200 on Tuesdays.
operates with a Boeing 777-300ER at other times
EY041/048 operates with an Airbus A330-200 at all times
The increase comes a week after Emirates also bumped up their services from Dubai to Dublin from daily to twice daily. Eithad have a head start of a couple of months on Emirates who will add their increased services from September 2014.
In terms of a passenger experience, Eithad offer A330-200s on the route, which for economy passengers are configured in a comfortable 2-4-2 down the back of the plane, compared to their 777-300ERs which are configured in 3-4-3.
Meanwhile, Business Class is in a 1-2-1 formation aboard the A330-200s, whilst business is in a staggered 2-2-2 aboard the 777-300ERs.
It offers more options as Etihad do have a sizable hub in Abu Dhabi, allowing for connections to the Gulf, the Far Eastern, and Australia connections.
The days are numbered for Aer Lingus