Northstar

Technology: Etihad Airways launches Google+ page SINGAPORE – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a Google+ page for its guests around the world. The airline’s new social media channel will complement its existing presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Each of these channels has seen a considerable growth in the number of followers in the past year; Facebook “likes” have increased from 56,600 to 316,500, followers on Twitter from 6,900 to 29,300, and views on YouTube from 373,600 to over six million. Social media enables Etihad Airways to listen and engage directly with its guests. Valuable feedback is obtained so the airline can provide high quality experiences and services to guests. In return, guests receive exclusive access to deals and competitions on its social media channels. Google+ has become increasingly popular with more than 400 million registered users worldwide. The airline will establish a presence and keep its guests informed and involved on the new page. The launch of the Google+ page will also give the airline an increased presence on Google. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “We are excited to launch a new social media channel for Etihad Airways. Our Google+ page will provide our guests with the latest brand, product and sponsorship news, exclusive competitions and offers, as well as updates on key initiatives. “Our social media channels play an important part in our communications strategies to engage our customers actively with our brand. Social media is helping us to listen and provide assistance to our guests. We look forward to receiving valuable guest feedback on Google+.” Technology: Abacus, Regent Airways form partnership SINGAPORE – Abacus International has announced a two-year exclusive partnership Regent Airways, the second largest airline in Bangladesh. The partnership will see the airline’s content being distributed to Abacus-connected agents across all markets under the terms of the agreement. Akhtar Ahmed, director, Marketing & Sales, Regent Airways said, “Regent Airways is delighted to be able to work with Abacus as an airline partner. As we continue to expand within Bangladesh and internationally, we are confident that Abacus’ strength and experience in distribution across Asia Pacific will help us achieve the growth that we are aiming for. Working with Abacus will also allow us to build our brand and establish ourselves as an airline with not only the highest standards but one that continually raises the bar in the industry.” Ho Hoong Mau, division head, Airline Distribution, Abacus International said, “Abacus is honoured to be able to support Regent Airway in its growth path serving its current domestic network in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been a significant growth market for Abacus and we are extremely pleased to be a player to stimulate further growth in the country’s aviation development. Through our wide network of connected travel agents across Asia, we will ensure that Regent Airways has a broad distribution solution that caters to their needs in their move towards leadership, becoming the preferred airline for the passengers to fly with.” Regent Airways is a fullyowned subsidiary of Habib Group, a Chittagong-based conglomerate in operation since 1947. The airline’s fleet consists of Canadian-built Bombardier Dash-8-Q300 aircrafts that are reputed for their exceptional reliability, passenger comfort and maintained to European standards. Its current network includes domestic flights to Dhaka, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Jessore and Sylhet. This agreement follows a series of exclusive agreements between Abacus and airline partners including Zest Air and AirPhil Express from the Philippines, Sapsan, an LCC from Kazakhstan that serves five domestic routes, Cambodia Angkor Air, a regional airline in Cambodia, Air Busan from Korea, Far Eastern Airlines from Taiwan, Starflyer from Japan and Juneyao Airlines that sees Abacus International as the airline’s exclusive distributor outside of China.

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