Arab News, Wed, Jan 10, 2024 | Jamada Al-Aakhirah 28, 1445
Etihad Airways eyes 18m passengers by 2025: CEO
Emirates:
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways aims to reach 18 million passengers by 2025,
expanding its global network to connect key markets, according to a top
official.
Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves told Emirates News
Agency, also known as WAM, that the airline’s plan for the upcoming year also
encompasses providing more choices to travelers.
Neves noted that the airline’s strategy will
include augmenting flights to key international markets via Etihad’s global
network with the objective to initiate a sustainable growth phase.
In an interview with WAM, Neves revealed that
Etihad Airways is set to introduce several new destinations this year. Notably,
Boston will become its fourth station in the US, operating four weekly flights
starting March 31.
Furthermore, transit to Nairobi, the capital of
Kenya, will commence operations from May 1.
Earlier in January, the airline added two new
destinations in the Indian subcontinent: Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram in
Kerala. This brings the total number of stations served by Etihad Airways in
India to 10.
Additionally, there will be an increase in the
number of flights to various destinations, including Cairo with 21 weekly
flights, Colombo with seven, Islamabad with 14, and the Maldives with 14
flights.
Neves said: “In addition to launching new
destinations, we are working on increasing frequencies to our daily destinations
in North America, Europe, Asia, the Gulf region, and the Indian subcontinent.”
Highlighting Etihad Airways’ improved financial
position compared to 2017, the CEO stated that the company witnessed a 30
percent growth in the number of passengers in 2023 compared to the previous 12
months.
He emphasized the airline has laid out a long-term
plan to reach 30 million customers per year, which is three times the number
processed in 2022.
Neves explained that Etihad’s network will expand
to over 125 destinations, leveraging its strategic geographic location
connecting Asia and Europe.
Regarding the current fleet size, the CEO said:
“In 2017, our fleet peaked at 110 aircraft, 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.”
Neves pointed out that the new Terminal A at Abu
Dhabi International Airport is a crucial cornerstone in the company’s growth
strategy, with the capacity to accommodate up to 45 million passengers
annually.
The terminal offers dedicated check-in facilities
for Economy class guests of Etihad, along with exclusive areas for Business and
First-Class travelers.