Etihad begins its non-stop flight from Abu Dhabi to Boston

Monday, April 1, 2024

Etihad Airways achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing in Boston, initiating its regular service operations in Massachusetts’ capital and most renowned city. Boston, celebrated for its rich historical background, vibrant culture, and hosting some of the top universities globally, has become the fourth U.S. destination for Etihad, joining the ranks of New York, Chicago, and Washington. The carrier’s maiden voyage to Boston took off from Zayed International Airport shortly after 3 am on a Sunday, utilizing one of Etihad’s newly acquired Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for the journey.

Emirati Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, who had the honor of being the first pilot for Etihad to navigate to Boston, expressed his pride and the weight of responsibility he felt undertaking such a pivotal role in this landmark flight during a conversation with The National from the cockpit during the 13-and-a-half-hour flight. Accompanying Captain Al Marzouqi for this significant flight was First Officer Khalid Al Naqbi, who remarked on his novelty to Boston, highlighting the uniqueness of visiting the city for the first time by piloting there himself.

Captain Al Marzouqi shared the enchanting views from the cockpit, describing the experience of flying under a clear blue sky and over clouds resembling soft marshmallows, which underscores the joy and satisfaction derived from their profession. He compared the thrill of flying to the joy some find in fishing.

The journey from Abu Dhabi to Boston spanned over 10,000 kilometers, traversing diverse terrains and airspaces across Iraq, Turkey, Poland, Germany, Greenland, Canada, and the northeastern coast of the United States. The route underscored the extensive reach and the strategic navigation required to connect these two distant locations, marking a new chapter in Etihad Airways’ operations and expanding its footprint in the United States.

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