Etihad Airways is always looking for ways to better serve its passengers. In the past this has included breaking punctuality records and introducing designer amenities for economy passengers. But now, the airline has gone one step further with the introduction of two medical services for fliers with pre-existing medical conditions.

Presented as a way to help ensure the care of its customers, both services, the first of their type in the UAE, will be run by professionals from the airline’s dedicated medical team, experts in transport-medicine practices.

The first of these new services has been designed for guests who require medical clearance prior to travel and enables them to request a visit from the airline’s doctors to conduct an evaluation, in consultation with their attending physician. The doctor will then complete all necessary documentation on site. This means, according to Etihad, that the guest will receive recommendation about their “fit to fly” status within a day.

The second service is the introduction of an in-flight nurse who can accompany guests during their trip and provide medical support.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, vice president of  Etihad Airways medical services, said: “Etihad is delighted to be the first airline in the region to provide these new medical services which will cater for guests who require medical assistance during their travel. Both services will help ensure our guests have a smooth and hassle-free journey, greatly removing unnecessary anxiety they sometimes feel when travelling.”

“There are increasing demands for guests to travel to Abu Dhabi or abroad to seek treatment for their medical conditions”

Following my request for further comment as to why Etihad felt the need for the provision of these medical services, Dr Bastaki said: “There are increasing demands for guests to travel to Abu Dhabi or abroad to seek treatment for their medical conditions. The one-stop-shop services will be carried out by members of the Etihad medical team, all of whom are qualified in aviation transport medicine and critical care.

Dr Bastak went on to say: “In addition, the medical assistance approval process is extensive and challenging for guests or government authorities to secure all necessary information efficiently. Knowing the struggle of our guests, the medical services have tailored these two unique services to support guests with medical conditions during their travel with Etihad Airways.”