U.S. officials have said that the new Etihad Airways route to Los Angeles is expected to strengthen the strategic ties between the U.A.E and the U.S. in various fields, including trade, economics, tourism, media, cultural, educational and medical.
Speaking to WAM, Andrea Alava, Manager of International Media at the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, welcomed the daily flights connecting the two cities saying that the direct link between Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles will be a positive boost for the interests of both cities.
"Abu Dhabi is a major gateway between East and West and a major tourist destination in the Middle East. We are pleased that Los Angeles has been introduced as a destination on Etihad Airways, so that we can see more visitors from the U.A.E. and the GCC whether for holiday, business or for study," she said.
Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Director at Los Angeles World Airports, said that the flight route will open new horizons in tourism, trade and culture exchanges between the two cities.
Michael H. Corbin, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E. said that the U.A.E. is a strategic partner of the United States and that the partnership between the two nations is continuously developing on all levels.
Mr. Corbin also re-affirmed that the U.A.E. is one of America s most valuable international trading partners, pointing out that the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries last year reached US$26.9 billion.
Source: WAM