Etihad Airways has launched a WhatsApp Business solution, allowing guests to communicate instantly with the airline via the popular messaging app. The new service, which is the latest element of Etihad Airways’ digital strategy, will provide an enhanced offering to premium guests when they are at Abu Dhabi International Airport, allowing them to chat with the airline’s agents about their flights in a fast, personal, and efficient way.

In addition to communicating with customer service agents, the WhatsApp Business solution will be expanded in the future to enable guests to receive important messages like flight reminders by opting into WhatsApp communications on the Etihad Airways booking confirmation page.

Robin Kamark, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer, said: “The new WhatsApp Business solution will provide Etihad Airways’ premium guests with immediate contact with the airline, using the very latest technology.

“Air travellers around the world use WhatsApp in their daily lives and so it is an ideal channel for them to communicate with the airline and receive the latest information about their travel journey.” During the initial trial phase, the Etihad Airways WhatsApp number will be exhibited in Premium check-in at Abu Dhabi Airport.