Etihad Airways plans to double passengers, fleet size by 2030

Etihad Airways aims to more than double its passenger capacity to 33 million and its fleet to over 160 aircraft planes by the end of the decade, a shift in the airline’s strategy as it focuses on sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences.

“As we mark Etihad’s 20^th anniversary, we are excited about what’s next. Journey 2030 is the guiding plan that propels Etihad into the future,” the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves said in an address at the Dubai Airshow.

Etihad’s growth strategy signifies a pivotal turning point in the airline’s journey with a significant economic contribution to Abu Dhabi.

The UAE national carrier served 13 million passengers over the past year, a 30 per cent increase from 2022.

Under the new growth plan dubbed ‘Journey 2030’, this growth trajectory is set to continue, projecting a return to the airline’s peak 2017 passenger numbers by late next year or early 2025.

Etihad plans to expand its global network to more than 125 destinations, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Asia and Europe.

Its fleet will double to more than 160 aircraft, focusing on connecting short and medium-haul destinations in the GCC, India and Asia with long-haul destinations in Europe and North America.

“Our mandate is clear: to deliver extraordinary customer service and sustainable profitability, as the foundation for Etihad’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s aspirations,” added Neves.

The core tenets of the carrier’s network strategy include introducing new destinations, providing more options, and increasing frequencies to key international markets.

Etihad Airways growth strategy

Etihad said ‘Journey 2030’ not only signifies a strategic milestone for expansion but promises substantial economic benefits for Abu Dhabi.

The plan targets attracting 10 million point-to-point travellers to the UAE capital by 2030, catalysing economic growth, creating job opportunities, and solidifying the city’s status as a premier global travel hub.

“The opening of our new home airport Terminal A is a perfect springboard for our growth and will provide the capacity and the quality we need to cater for our guests,” said Neves.

The much-anticipated  Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) opened to the public earlier in November, with plenty of hype about its potential to boost the emirate’s position as a hub for tourism, trade, and business.

AUH is set to be renamed Zayed International Airport on February 9, 2024, when the new Terminal A will also officially open.

2023 has already proved successful for Etihad, which has added 12 new destinations, with further new routes in India, as well as Boston and Nairobi to start shortly.

The airline also enlarged its operations in several key markets, adding flights and improved connectivity across the network, and it has welcomed 16 new aircraft to its fleet.

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