"Etihad Airways"

Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ national carrier, has released its preliminary traffic statistics for June 2024, showcasing continued growth and expansion.

The airline carried 1.5 million guests and saw its passenger load factor average out at 86 per cent across the month.

The airline’s performance reflects a strong recovery in the aviation sector and highlights Etihad’s strategic initiatives to enhance its global presence.

Impressive Passenger Growth

In June, Etihad Airways transported 1.5 million passengers, marking a substantial 34% increase compared to the same period last year.

This surge in traveler numbers underscores the airline’s growing popularity and the rebounding demand for air travel.

The first half of 2024 saw Etihad carry 8.7 million passengers, a impressive jump of nearly 40% from the previous year.

This translates to an additional 2.5 million travelers choosing Etihad for their journeys. The rolling 12-month passenger count as of June 2024 reached an impressive 16.4 million. This further cements Etihad’s position as a major player in the global aviation industry.

Strong Load Factor Despite Capacity Expansion

Despite significantly increasing its capacity compared to 2023, Etihad maintained a robust average passenger load factor of 86% in June.

The year-to-date load factor stands at a healthy 85%, demonstrating the airline’s ability to efficiently manage its expanded operations while maintaining high occupancy rates.

Fleet and Network Expansion

Etihad’s growth strategy is evident in its fleet and network expansion. The airline’s operating fleet has grown to 92 aircraft, up from 76 in June 2023.

This increase in fleet size has enabled Etihad to add 10 new passenger destinations to its network compared to the same period last year.

In June alone, Etihad launched services to eight additional locations, including popular destinations like Bali, Jaipur, and Al Qassim.

The airline also introduced seasonal routes to Nice, Antalya, Mykonos, Santorini, and Malaga, catering to the summer travel demand.

Summary

Etihad Airways has consistently demonstrated its commitment to growth and innovation in the aviation industry. The airline’s recent achievements include:

Fleet modernization: Etihad has welcomed three Airbus A321neos to its fleet this year, with three more set to join shortly. One of these aircraft features a special livery, showcasing the airline’s attention to detail and brand image.

Network diversification: By expanding its route network, Etihad is tapping into new markets and offering more choices to its passengers.

Operational efficiency: Despite rapid growth, Etihad has maintained high load factors, indicating effective capacity management.

Customer focus: The airline’s increasing passenger numbers suggest growing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

As Etihad Airways continues to expand its operations and enhance its services, it is well-positioned to compete with other major international carriers.

The airline’s strong performance in June 2024 sets a positive tone for the remainder of the year and beyond, as it seeks to further solidify its status as a leading global airline.

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Etihad Airways has revealed a special commemorative livery on one of the six Airbus A321neos joining its fleet.

The custom livery marks the 20^th year of operations for the UAE national airline. The livery decal wraps around both sides of the fuselage in both Arabic and English.

Showcased on one of Etihad’s recently acquired A321neo aircraft, it features iconic landmarks of the city.

This pays homage to the UAE national carrier’s rich history and its position as a prominent Abu Dhabi brand.

Etihad: 20 Years of Operations

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, takes pride in its two decades of connecting the world through Abu Dhabi.

Established in 2003, the airline has carved a distinct path in the aviation industry. Over its first two decades it has consistently strived to redefine air travel experiences.

As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, Etihad unveils a captivating new livery and welcomes a fleet of fuel-efficient A321neo aircraft, signifying both a tribute to their rich history and a commitment to a bright future.

Highlighting Abu Dhabi

This bespoke livery is a distinct visual graphic. Its line-style artwork celebrates the intricate beauty of unity, with each depiction reflecting the vibrant culture and landscapes of Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s home.

The design incorporates iconic landmarks, showcasing the city’s rich tapestry and the airline’s position as a prominent Abu Dhabi brand.

It’s a powerful symbol of Etihad’s journey, reflecting their dedication to their Emirati identity.

“This special livery marks two decades of exceptional service for Etihad,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer.

“It embodies our commitment to providing extraordinary experiences that are deeply rooted in our Emirati identity.”

“It’s a tribute to our journey and sets the stage for our future as we strive to be the world’s preferred airline.”

The chosen aircraft for this stunning livery is one of six new A321neos recently integrated into Etihad’s fleet.

These additions mark a significant step forward in the airline’s network and frequency expansion plans.

Airbus A321neo Induction

The A321neos boast advanced CFM LEAP 1A engines, placing sustainability at the forefront of Etihad’s vision.

These engines deliver a significant environmental benefit through reduced emissions and up to 20% greater efficiency compared to similar engines in their class. This aligns perfectly with the growing global focus on eco-friendly aviation practices.

John Wright, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad, expressed his enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to have operationalized this fleet so swiftly since our December 2023 commitment.”

“Considering the current limitations on aircraft deliveries globally, these A321neos serve as a crucial bridge for our growth strategy, leading up to the arrival of over 20 new aircraft in 2025.”

He further highlighted the remarkable achievement: “Typically, integrating a new airframe and engine type takes airlines up to two years.”

“The speed and agility of our Etihad teams and partners in bringing these aircraft online safely and compliantly within seven months is a true testament to their dedication.”

The deployment of these A312neos will take place across various routes, including destinations in India and the Middle East. This will further enhance Etihad’s network and capacity.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Excellence

As Etihad embarks on the next chapter, this celebratory livery and the A321neo integration serve as a powerful symbol of their unwavering commitment to excellence.

The airline continues to redefine air travel experiences, offering exceptional service that is deeply rooted in Emirati culture.

With a focus on sustainability and continuous expansion, Etihad is well-positioned to take flight for another 20 years and beyond, solidifying its position as a global leader in the aviation industry.

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 Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, today celebrated the start of its flights to Al Qassim. This marks the first flight ever connecting the UAE’s capital with Al Qassim in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The new route becomes Etihad’s fourth destination to Saudi Arabia and offers guests four non-stop flights per week. This service will enhance connectivity between KSA and the rest of the world through Abu Dhabi.

Al Qassim: Fourth Saudi Destination

Etihad Airways recently inaugurated route to Al Qassim marks a historic first for air travel between the UAE capital and this central Saudi Arabian city.

This strategic addition brings Etihad’s total Saudi Arabia destinations to four and provides passengers with four convenient non-stop flights per week.

The new service strengthens connectivity between the Kingdom and the rest of the world by leveraging Abu Dhabi’s position as a key global hub.

Catering to the growing travel needs of the large population in KSA’s central region, this route also offers seamless connections to Etihad’s ever-expanding global network.

Marking 20 Years of Saudi Flight Services

“This exciting expansion of our network underscores our enduring commitment to the Saudi market,” said Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves.

“As we celebrate 20 years of connecting Abu Dhabi with the Kingdom, we are delighted to launch flights to Al Qassim, a vibrant center of commerce and culture.”

Neves continued, “By establishing this vital air link, we aim to address the rising demand for travel to Saudi Arabia’s promising business and tourism destinations.”

“We are confident passengers will appreciate the convenient access to Abu Dhabi and our extensive global network. They will experience Etihad’s renowned service in both Business and Economy cabins operated by modern Airbus A320 family aircraft.”

Bookings for flights to and from Al Qassim are now open on the airline’s website, the Etihad mobile app. Bookings are also available externally through Etihad Airways Contact Centers, or through authorized travel agents.

Destination Spotlight: Al Qassim

Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s central region, Al Qassim is a captivating city steeped in history and culture.

Often referred to as the “food basket” of the Kingdom, Al Qassim is renowned for its fertile oases and abundant agriculture, particularly its world-famous dates.

Beyond its agricultural significance, Al Qassim boasts a rich heritage, reflected in its traditional mudbrick architecture and vibrant souqs (marketplaces).

Visitors can explore historical sites like the Al Bassam Heritage House. Lovers of culture can also delve into the city’s vibrant culture at the annual Buraydah Date Festival.

A Gateway to Saudi Arabia’s Central Region

Etihad’s new route to Al Qassim provides a convenient gateway for travelers seeking to explore this fascinating region.

The city serves as a central hub, offering easy access to surrounding towns and historical landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, Al Qassim promises an unforgettable adventure.

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Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), solidifies its position as a global aviation leader with a significant network expansion this June.

This ambitious move adds eight exciting destinations to their existing network, bringing their total summer operational routes to a remarkable 76.

This expansion reflects Etihad’s commitment to providing passengers with unparalleled connectivity and a wider range of travel experiences.

Global Airline with a Hospitality Focus

Established in 2003, Etihad Airways has rapidly grown to become a major player in the aviation industry.

The airline is renowned for its modern fleet, world-class service, and dedication to Arabian hospitality.

Their focus on exceeding passenger expectations extends beyond comfortable cabins and delicious in-flight meals.

Etihad prides itself on offering cultural immersion opportunities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience from start to finish.

Network Expansion Strengthens Global Connections

Etihad’s network spans across five continents, connecting passengers from the UAE to key destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

The airline operates strategically from its hub in Abu Dhabi, offering convenient connections and efficient layovers for travelers flying across vast distances.

This strategic network allows Etihad to cater to a diverse range of passenger needs, whether it’s business travel, family vacations, or cultural exploration.

Eight New Destinations Take Flight in June

This June marks a period of exciting growth for Etihad Airways. The airline has strategically added eight new destinations to its network, catering to a variety of travel interests.

Tropical Paradise Bali

Bali, Indonesia, a dream destination for many, becomes Etihad’s first-ever serviced route. With four flights a week, travelers can enjoy pristine beaches and lush rice paddies. The captivating culture of this iconic island makes it an enduring favorite with travelers.

India Cultural Delights

Etihad strengthens its presence in India with a new direct flight to Jaipur, the “Pink City”. This is a major tourist hub in Rajasthan.

The route marks the airline’s 11th gateway into India, demonstrating their continued commitment to the Indian market.

Saudi Arabian Charm

Al Qassim, the airline’s fourth destination in Saudi Arabia, offers travelers a glimpse into a different world. This region boasts rich culture, lively markets, and stunning date palm groves, promising a unique and memorable experience.

Seasonal Hotspots

Eid travelers were treated to the convenience of direct flights to popular summer destinations.

These include Nice on the French Riviera and Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. Etihad also resumed service to the beloved Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, offering sun-seekers a taste of the Aegean Sea.

Spanish Sun

Earlier in June, Etihad relaunched seasonal flights to the ever-sunny Spanish resort town of Málaga, providing a perfect escape for those seeking European warmth.

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Etihad Airways has this week announced the handling of 1.5m passengers in May 2024, an increase from the same period last year.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier continues to perform strongly, as we will explore in this piece.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

The Numbers from Etihad Airways…

For May 2024, Etihad Airways handled 1.5m passengers, an increase of 400,000 passengers compared to the same period last year.

Year to date totals right now stand at 7.2m passengers, which is two million passengers higher than in YTD 2023.

Load factors remain steady in the 84-85% area, despite growing their fleet by 15 aircraft to 90 in the last 12 months.

So in-all, Etihad Airways have performed strongly.

It was an eventful May for the airline, noting some milestones.

They signed an interlining partnership with the following five airlines:

• Kam Air.
• SKY express.
• Rex Airlines.
• Jeju Air.
• Myanmar Airways International.

On top of this, they posted a record profit for the first-quarter of this year, due to their notable rise in passenger numbers so far.

Also, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Air Maroc to strengthen their existing relationships that they have in place.

Finally, they announced a joint venture last week with China Eastern Airlines which will take place in 2025.

Neves: A Positive Growth Trajectory…

Reaffirming the numbers from May 2024 was Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways:

“We achieved a 38 per cent year-to-date increase in passengers, underscoring our strong positive growth trajectory, and our YTD passenger count has reached 7.2 million, meaning we’ve already welcomed two million more passengers this year than the same period of 2023.

“This contributed to maintaining a healthy YTD load factor of 85 per cent against a considerable increase in capacity against the same period in 2023.”

“Our rolling 12-month passenger numbers, to the end of May 2024, now stand at just over 16 million.”

“Our operating fleet size has risen by 15 aircraft year-on-year to 90, helping to fuel our growth.

“In May, after intense months of activity involving teams across the airline, we brought the first of the six A321neos expected in 2024 into operation.”

“These aircraft further boost our growing network and frequencies and deliver a 20 per cent fuel burn and CO2 emissions advantage, underling our commitment to modern, more efficient aircraft.”

Overall…

In conclusion, Etihad Airways had a strong May 2024, and is having a much stronger year so far compared to last year.

We are now entering the peak of the Summer 2024 season, where the most amount of passengers are expected to be handled.

On top of this, with the new routes installed onto their network, it will be interesting to see how much of an uptick this will have.

We should be able to establish this next month when the airline releases their June 2024 statistics.

But in the meantime, let’s see how the airline’s summer performs moving forward.

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