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Etihad Airways expands air-rail deal with AccesRail in Europe

Etihad Airways relaunches flights to Kolkata

Seamless air-rail connections in Germany, the UK, and soon Italy
Expanded inter-city coach network with National Express in the UK

Etihad Airways expands air-rail deal with AccesRail in Europe

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways (Etihad) has announced the expansion of its partnership with AccesRail, the world’s leading provider of air-rail intermodal solutions. The partnership allows Etihad to use AccesRail’s expertise to enable its customers to book train and coach tickets in Europe in conjunction with their air fare using the airline’s online booking platform, or through their travel agency.

Etihad’s guests can connect to and from their international flights to rail routes operated by major European railway companies using the airline’s ‘EY’ code, including an expanded network of seven rail routes on Germany’s Deutsche Bahn from Frankfurt Main Airport. The partnership with AccesRail has also been extended to the United Kingdom to include 16 destinations westbound from London Heathrow on Great Western Railway, and subject to final government approval, to 28 cities across Italy on the country’s primary rail operator, Trenitalia.

The expansion will also see additional inter-city coach services in the United Kingdom operated by National Express to 28 major British towns and cities from London Heathrow, and five from Manchester Airport.

Ali Saleh, Etihad Airways Vice President Alliances and Partnerships, said: “This is a tremendous product, which provides convenient rail or coach connections at some of our key gateways in Europe, enabling customers to commence their Etihad journey from multiple domestic points with the best fares available, all on the same itinerary and ticket.

“As we aim to personalise the guest experience in-flight by providing more choice and greater customisation, we continue to source more strategic partnerships which will mirror this on the ground, giving options and benefits to the many who choose to travel with us in Europe. We soon hope to expand the partnership with AccesRail to more continents.”

Etihad Airways has operated a similar agreement with France’s SNCF, providing codeshare services to 20 destinations on the French domestic rail network from the airline’s Paris gateway.

Andrew Popescu, Vice President Business Development, AccesRail, said: “We are excited to be deepening our Etihad-AccesRail cooperation and look forward to continuing with Etihad on

a global scale. Through this enhanced AccesRail partnership, Etihad will be able, now and in the future, to offer its customers more destinations and more possibilities.”

In operation for more than 20 years, Montreal-headquartered AccesRail is present on most global GDS systems, and partnering with major rail companies in Europe, USA, Canada, Korea, and Japan, making it possible for customers to book and purchase air and rail travel on the same itinerary.

Aviation

Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Dead as Aircraft Crashes During Takeoff pilot survives

On July 24, 2024, a tragic accident unfolded at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu when a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff.

The incident occurred around 11:00 AM local time as the flight, bound for Pokhara, was preparing for departure. The aircraft, carrying 19 individuals including the aircrew, crashed shortly after lifting off the runway. According to PTI, “at least 18 people were killed” in the accident.

The casualties included 18 Nepalis and one Yemeni citizen, all of whom were employees of Saurya Airlines, as confirmed by police. The aircraft was en route for technical maintenance at the time of the crash.

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Images released by Nepal police showed thick smoke pouring from the burning wreckage on the runway. Eyewitnesses, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, described how the plane flipped after its wing-tip struck the ground during takeoff.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu. Details awaited pic.twitter.com/tWwPOFE1qI— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

The impact led to an immediate fire, and the aircraft subsequently plunged into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway. Rescue operations commenced swiftly, with police and firefighters arriving at the scene to control the situation.

The aviation authority confirmed that rescue efforts were initiated immediately, but the crash underscores the persistent dangers associated with air travel in Nepal. The country’s challenging mountainous terrain often contributes to aviation risks.

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The pilot of the aircraft survived the crash and was transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment, as reported by a doctor at the hospital who was not authorized to speak to the media.

In response to the incident, Tribhuvan International Airport, the primary hub for both international and domestic flights in Nepal, was closed as emergency crews worked at the site.