Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and its head office is in Khalifa City A near Abu Dhabi City. Founded by royal decree, Etihad began operations in November 2003. The name is taken from the Arabic word for “union.” The airline flies Airbus and Boeing aircraft to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. It is the fourth largest airline in the Middle East and the second largest airline in the UAE, after Dubai-based Emirates. Etihad’s principle base is Abu Dhabi International Airport.