Etihad CEO: “We Cannot Catch Emirates”

Etihad Airways’ president and CEO James Hogan said it is “very clear” Etihad cannot catch Emirates.

Addressing delegates at the World Travel and Tourism Summit in Abu Dhabi this morning, Hogan underlined its strategy of securing equity investments and codeshare agreements with other airlines.

After the admission that its “competitor” could not be caught, Hogan said: “It’s not about being the biggest but the smartest”.

Hogan was optimistic about the future prospects of all three leading Gulf carriers, however. “I’m often asked if the Gulf can support three airlines and you only have to see markets like Bangladesh and China – huge markets which are underserved. We are fortunate through geography. There’s a unique opportunity to handle traffic from the Gulf, America and Australia, and in reverse.”

He said Etihad continues to see strong growth and will continue to invest in people, product and service.

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