Etihad Airways is in talks with South American-based carriers regarding prospective commercial partnerships, according to president and chief executive James Hogan.

The airline will launch its first South American route on 1 June 2013; a daily non-stop service operating between Sao Paulo, Brazil and its home base of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Etihad Airways new service will also provide customers with effortless ongoing connections from Brazil.
   
Mr Hogan said the economic impact of the new route would prove favourable.

“Brazil is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, now ranking as the sixth largest since overtaking the UK in 2011,” Mr Hogan said.

“Bi-lateral trade between Brazil and the UAE is valued at nearly US$3 billion annually, with authorities aiming to lift this to US$10 billion within five years.”

The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce said Brazil trade volumes with the Arab world witnessed increases of 28 percent in 2011, reaching US$25 billion - forecast to grow by a further 10-15 percent this year.