This was published 6 years ago
Etihad introduces instalment payments for air fares, including The Residence suite
By Hugh Morris
Etihad has introduced payment plans for its flights allowing passengers to spread the cost of a ticket over five years.
Currently only available to travellers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the airline, ranked eighth in the world in the latest Skytrax awards, said it wanted to give its customers the opportunity to pay in monthly instalments.
(See also: World's best airline for 2017 named)
Justin Warby, its vice president of digital strategy and innovation, said the service, made possible through online payment service PayFort, would help people spread the cost of travel but also allow more passengers to "attain [the] dream] of flying in The Residence, Etihad's three-room aircraft suite on its A380s. A one-way ticket from Abu Dhabi to New York in it might set you back £22,000 ($37,870)."
How much would it cost to fly in The Residence?
A steal at just $322 per month... for five years.
Flying in the superlative suite from Sydney to Abu Dhabi on November 30, returning on December 7, might set you back $19,373, according to a fare spot-check, but with a 60-month payment plan, your monthly bill will be just $322.
Of course, this is hypothetical since the service is not yet available to non-UAE residents.
"When we were designing this product we were really looking at how we can assist those low to medium income travellers and families, but of course, spreading the payment over a period of months is also a great way to indulge in Etihad Airways' famous premium cabins," he said.
"Etihad is committed to continually enhancing the travel experience by providing greater choice and flexibility to our guests. We understand travel can be a significant expense, especially for families and those on a tight budget, so this new initiative is a great way for people to book and enjoy their travel without having to worry about paying in one large sum."
Etihad, the UAE's flag carrier and second largest behind Emirates, is entirely owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, and has its base in the city. It flies direct between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, with connections into European cities including London, Paris, Rome, Dublin and Athens.
Etihad is currently running an early bird sale for travel for next year. Sale fares include Sydney to London return in business class from $6889, Melbourne to Amsterdam economy from $1278, or Sydney to Paris economy from $1261.
The airline, which sponsors Manchester City football club, is the first in the region to offer credit on its flights. Low-cost carrier Jetstar introduced a similar scheme earlier this month.
It is not clear whether the Etihad programme, available through 17 participating banks, charges interest on any flight finance plan.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.