Etihad Airways targets 18 million passengers by 2025

Etihad Airways has projected an increase in passenger capacity to 18 million by 2025, as the national carrier ushers into a new phase of sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences.

Antonoaldo Neves, group CEO of Etihad Airways told state-run Emirates News Agency that the airline is in a better financial position than in 2017, having witnessed a 30 per cent growth in the number of passengers last year compared to 2022.

Neves highlighted that the carrier has laid out a long-term plan to reach 30 million passengers per year, equivalent to three times the number of passengers compared to 2022.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s expansion plan includes broadening its network of destinations, offering more choices to travellers, and increasing flights to key international markets through its global network.

Neves said the national airline will introduce new destinations in 2024 to advance customer experience and its global network.

Etihad will commence flights to Boston, its fourth station in the US, operating four weekly flights starting from March 31. It will also connect the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, with Abu Dhabi from May 1.

The airline also added two new destinations in the Indian subcontinent earlier in January – Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram in the Kerala region of India. This brings the total number of stations served by Etihad in India to 10.

Furthermore, there will be an increase in the number of flights to destinations such as Cairo, with 21 weekly flights, Colombo with seven, Islamabad with 14, and the Maldives with 14 flights.

Neves highlighted that Etihad’s network will expand to over 125 destinations as part of its ‘Journey 2030’ growth strategy, leveraging its strategic geographic location linking Asia and Europe.

The carrier will focus on connecting short and medium-haul destinations in the GCC, India, and Asia with long-haul destinations in Europe and the East Coast of America. It currently flies to more than 70 destinations worldwide and seeks to increase the number to over 125 as part of its 2030 growth plan.

Etihad spreads its wings

Etihad is gearing up to achieve sustainable and profitable growth, thanks to strong support from stakeholders and a robust strategic plan for the future.

Neves said the airline has solidified its global presence 20 years since its establishment and successfully overcame all the challenges it faced.

He highlighted that the carrier’s “Etihad Airways 2030” strategy, backed by ADQ Holdings, marks a pivotal turning point in the national airline’s growth journey.

The airline’s growth strategy is set to pave the way for a future characterised by sustainable growth, enhanced customer experiences, and a significant economic contribution to Abu Dhabi.

Neves said Etihad’s fleet peaked at 110 aircraft in 2017, and “we worked on reducing the fleet size between 2019 and 2022.”

“Today, we are witnessing the return of our large aircraft such as the Airbus A380, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777, resulting in an increase in our fleet to 86 aircraft, and we expect it to reach a total of 160 aircraft by 2030,” he added.

Etihad boasts a diverse fleet, which includes Boeing 787, Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350.

Neves said the new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport is a key cornerstone in the airline’s growth strategy, with the capacity to accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually and directly connect Abu Dhabi to 117 international destinations.

The group CEO said the terminal provides dedicated check-in facilities for Economy Class guests of Etihad, along with exclusive areas for Business and First-Class travellers to indulge in a premium experience.

Read: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi carries 3 million passengers in 2023