Etihad reports June 2024 traffic statistics

 Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has published its preliminary traffic statistics for June 2024.

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

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the airline's recent achievements: "In June, our passenger numbers surged by 34% from last year, demonstrating our continued growth momentum.

“Year to date, we have flown 8.7 million passengers, an increase of nearly 2.5 million, almost 40 per cent, compared to the previous year, and as of June 2024, our rolling 12-month passenger tally stands at 16.4 million.

"Our passenger load factor is healthy at 85% for the year, even though we have seen significant capacity expansion compared to 2023.

"Furthermore, our operating fleet has grown to 92 aircraft, up from 76 at June 2023, and we are flying to 10 more passenger destinations than at the same point last year.”

In June Etihad delivered on its plans to expand its network launching eight additional locations including Bali, Jaipur and Al Qassim and seasonal destinations Nice, Antalya, Mykonos, Santorini and Malaga.

The airline also unveiled a special livery on one of the three A321neos that have already joined its fleet this year, with a further three joining shortly.

June-23	June-24	2023 YTD	2024 YTD
Passengers	1.1 million	1.5 million	6.3 million	8.7 million
Passenger load factor	86%	86%	85%	85%
Operating fleet size	76	92	76(1)	92(1)
Passenger destinations	66	76	66(1)	76(1)

Note: (1) As of the end of the period.

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Etihad launching daily flights to Boston and bringing its A350 to Toronto

Arriving just in time for peak winter travel season, the airline is providing travellers with more flexibility and convenience to its luxurious offerings

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has recently announced exciting updates coming to the North American market ahead of the winter travel season.

Beginning 27 October, Etihad will increase its nonstop flight service between Boston and Abu Dhabi from four flights per week to once daily, offering North American corporate and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

The decision to increase Boston flights to daily is based on the route’s strong performance and comes just three months after Etihad Airways introduced Boston as its fourth destination in the United States. Boston joined Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., as well as Toronto, Canada, further expanding Etihad’s North American footprint.

“Our Boston service continues to perform strongly, with our flights near capacity since our inaugural flight in Boston this March,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad. “Having already experienced record passenger demand, we’re excited to invest further in the North American market by expanding our flight frequency out of Boston ahead of the peak winter travel season.”

Etihad’s daily flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Abu Dhabi operate with a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline's acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats. With 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy, the aircraft is equipped with entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, providing passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, complemented by world-class service and hospitality.

The Boston service is timed to offer convenient links to Etihad’s growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the UAE, the Gulf region and the airline’s 11 nonstop routes into India.

Etihad's partnership with JetBlue ensures convenient connections to numerous cities throughout North America, unlocking endless possibilities for exploration across the continent.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Zayed International Airport enables guests to clear US immigration and customs inspections before boarding. With all the checks out of the way before take-off, travellers can simply pick up their bags and go when they land in the US. It is the only CBP facility in the Middle East.

Toronto Welcomes the Airbus A350

Archer Aviation joins with Etihad Aviation Training for eVTOL pilot training......

Archer Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing -eVTOL aircraft, confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Training that lays the groundwork for a partnership to recruit and train prospective pilots for Archer’s Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi to fly aircraft across the UAE. The MOU was announced at the start of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Archer is showcasing its Midnight aircraft for the first time in the country.

“Training a fleet of pilots to operate our aircraft is a critically important part of our efforts to establish a thriving urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, and Etihad Training is the premier organization to partner with on this front,” said Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel. “As Etihad Training’s first eVTOL partner, we will commence a thoughtful recruiting process and begin to train the first class of qualified pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft for commercial operations within the region.”

Archer and Etihad Training intend to collaborate together to recruit and train pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft.

Together, Archer and Etihad Training intend to engage with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (“GCAA”) and other local authorities to establish an appropriate pilot training curriculum in the UAE to enable safe and efficient Archer eVTOL operations as soon as 2025.

Etihad Training’s CEO, Captain Paolo La Cava, said: “Etihad Aviation Training today recruits and trains pilots to fly with dozens of global airlines. We couldn’t be more excited to choose Archer as our first eVTOL partner to recruit and train the first class of electric air taxi pilots to fly Archer’s Midnight aircraft right here in Abu Dhabi as soon as 2025. We look forward to installing the Archer Midnight flight simulator in our facilities later this year.”

JetBlue and Etihad Airways confirmed loyalty partnership as part of codeshare deal

JetBlue, New York's Hometown Airline, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced the addition of loyalty benefits starting today, May 8, 2024, as part of its long-standing codeshare partnership. The agreement between the two airlines was celebrated at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market today.

As part of the partnership, members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program and members of Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, will now be able to earn and redeem points in the program of their choice when flying across the network of either airline.

“JetBlue has been an important partner for Etihad for almost a decade and we’re thrilled to be extending this partnership to our loyalty programmes, benefitting both of our airlines’ valued members. We look forward to welcoming and rewarding TrueBlue members,” said Mark Potter, managing director, Etihad Guest. “This also further bolsters Etihad’s commitment to the U.S. market, following the recent launch of our direct service connecting Abu Dhabi and Boston, as well as introducing our popular A380 onto the New York route, expanding capacity.”

“As a successful partner since 2014, we are excited to introduce loyalty benefits as part of our codeshare partnership with Etihad,” said Christopher Buckner, vice president of loyalty and partnerships, JetBlue. “This partnership extension delivers both JetBlue TrueBlue and Etihad Guest members more ways to earn and redeem on travel, making exploring either airline’s network of top global destinations even more rewarding.”

Etihad Airways explores new horizons with the launch of its newest destination - Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia

In a move to broaden its network and enhance connectivity within the Middle East, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has just announced the addition of Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, to its growing list of destinations, increasing its total number of Saudi gateways to four.

The airline is set to expand its footprint by launching flights to one of Saudia Arabia’s most captivating regions. Beginning 24 June 2024, Etihad will link Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport directly with Al Qassim’s Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) with four weekly flights.

Reflecting on the new service, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: "Launching the new service to Al Qassim this year is not just about introducing a new destination; it's also a celebration of Etihad’s 20 years of connecting Abu Dhabi with the rich culture and economic opportunities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

“This move is aligned with our mission to deliver extraordinary experiences and the opportunity to explore the unique allure of both Abu Dhabi and our new destinations, like Al Qassim. We're proud to expand our services within the Kingdom and look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our renowned hospitality and service."

“Furthermore, the exceptional experience awaiting them at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, our new home, redefines the benchmarks for travel comfort and service excellence, ensuring a memorable journey from start to finish.”

Al Qassim celebrated for its lush date palm groves, rich cultural heritage, and lively markets, offers a perfect blend of traditional Saudi culture and contemporary attractions. This new route is designed to meet the demands of both business travelers seeking new ventures and tourists desiring an authentic exploration of Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural wealth.

Flight Number	Origin	Departure	Destination	Arrival	Aircraft	Frequency
EY  0627	AUH	08:00	ELQ	09:10	A320	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
EY  0628	ELQ	10:15	AUH	13:20	A320	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

 

And there’s more

Starting 15 June, Etihad is increasing its service frequency to a number of key destinations, and also starting flights to Antalya and Jaipur which were announced in February. 

The weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Amman will be increased by three, totalling 10 and 14 respectively. Additional services include three more flights to Cairo for a total of 24, Karachi increasing to 17, and Colombo to 20 weekly flights.

The latest expansion contributes to an overall 33 per cent increase in Etihad’s total weekly flights, growing from 642 last summer to 855 in 2024, and extends Etihad's reach from 65 to 76 destinations, significantly enhancing worldwide connectivity.

The updated schedule and the new routes have been developed to optimise the travel experience for passengers, who will benefit from greater connectivity and a broader range of travel options, alongside the opportunity to experience the sophisticated amenities and customer-focused services provided at the newly inaugurated Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi.

New Destinations (Timings from 15 June 2024, all timings local)

Flight Number	Origin	Departure	Destination	Arrival	Aircraft	Frequency
EY  0539	AUH	09:20	AYT	13:00	A320	Tue, Thu, Sat
EY  0540	AYT	14:20	AUH	19:35	A320	Tue, Thu, Sat

(Timings from 16 June 2024, all timings local)

Flight Number	Origin	Departure	Destination	Arrival	Aircraft	Frequency
EY  0366	AUH	03:05	JAI	08:05	A320	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
EY  0367	JAI	11:00	AUH	13:00	A320	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

 

­Frequency Increases 

Destination	Change	Total Frequency	Start Date
Thiruvananthapuram	+3	10	15 June 2024
Amman	+3	14	15 June 2024
Cairo	+3	24	15 June 2024
Karachi	+3	17	15 June 2024
Colombo	+3	20	15 June 2024

 

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Etihad Airways celebrates two decades of flights between London and Abu Dhabi.

      Etihad Airways – the national carrier of the UAE – is today celebrating two decades of flights between London and Abu Dhabi. 

The airline’s first service to Heathrow Airport using an Airbus A340 landed on 28 March 2004, heralding the start of thrice-weekly flights between London and Abu Dhabi and establishing a highly sought-after route renowned for its excellence. 

Etihad now operates four daily flights between London and Abu Dhabi using a combination of Airbus A380s, which feature the legendary The Residence suite in the sky, and state-of-the-art Boeing 787s.  

Eligible guests can also use the luxurious Etihad lounge at Heathrow’s Terminal 4, which offers a sumptuous start for their flights and interiors inspired by the carrier’s Abu Dhabi home. Guests can enjoy specially curated menus along with quick and convenient boarding for departing flights. 

Jeremy Pollock, Etihad Airways Country Manager UK and Ireland, said: “Introducing flights from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi was a key part of the airline’s strategy following the carrier’s launch in 2003. 

“To celebrate 20 years since our inaugural flight is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with Etihad Airways – especially our dedicated workforce across the UK and Ireland.  

“Etihad now operates four daily flights from London, highlighting the strong demand among UK-based customers to explore Abu Dhabi and the Middle East following a flight travelling in style and comfort, looked after by our excellent, award-winning cabin crew.” 

Henry Naya, Etihad Airways Airport Manager London Heathrow, joined Etihad just before flights to London began. He recalls the excitement surrounding the airline's first flight into Heathrow. It touched down at Etihad’s former home in Heathrow’s Terminal 3, with the founder Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and a range of dignitaries on board to celebrate the start of the new route. 

Manchester City and Etihad Airways announce launch of community football projects across India

Manchester City and global partner Etihad Airways are flying towards a better future for young people in India, with the announcement of a brand-new community football initiative in cities across the country.

The joint initiative will see Manchester City work in collaboration with Etihad Airways, Club charity City in the Community and non-governmental partner organisation (NGO) Magic Bus India Foundation, to deliver health and life skills training for local young people through football.

Manchester City and Etihad Airways are launching a new community football initiative in April in Bangalore, Kolkata and New Delhi with more cities to follow.

Supported by Etihad, the initiative will use football to uplift the health and life skills of local young people

The project will launch this April in three cities from the airline’s network: New Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, with more locations to follow.

This marks the latest in a series of impactful community collaborations between Manchester City and Etihad since the launch of the Official Partnership between the two organisations in 2009, including global and regional summits in Manchester and Abu Dhabi, which upskill young leaders in community football coaching and leadership.

More than 1.4 million people travelled with Etihad Airways in February

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has published its preliminary traffic statistics for February 2024, during which over 1.4 million passengers travelled with the carrier.

The airline reports its load factor was around 89 % for the month, up a percent from last year whilst the carriers fleet has risen to 89 operational aircraft.

“In February 2024 we saw a 46 per cent year-on-year growth in customer numbers as we continue our growth strategy,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “Our year-to-date (YTD) passenger figures at 2.9 million are 40 per cent higher than at YTD February 2023.

“February was a busy month; we strengthened our fleet, welcoming three new 787-9s, a move which is aligned to our network expansion strategy of adding new destinations and expanding frequencies into key markets.

We also announced two additional new routes which will begin this year: to Antalya, Turkey and Jaipur, India, the latter representing our eleventh non-stop connection between Abu Dhabi and the Indian Subcontinent."

	Feb-23	Feb-24	2023 YTD	2024 YTD
Passengers	1.0 million	1.4 million	2.0 million	2.9 million
Passenger load factor	88%	89%	88%	87%
Operating fleet size	74	89	74	89
Passenger destinations	64	69	64	69

Earlier this month Etihad Airways published some details of its results for last year, demonstrating an AED 1.4 billion (U.S.$ 394 million) operating result, driven by AED 4 billion (U.S.$ 1.1 billion) year-on-year growth in passenger revenue, while decreasing unit cost excl. fuel by 7%, marking a significant improvement in passenger business profitability.

Through 2023, the airline launched 15 new destinations, including Lisbon, Copenhagen, Kolkata and Osaka, and grew its operating fleet by 14 aircraft, to support ~30 per cent growth in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs).

The airline also successfully strengthened its balance sheet by reducing net leverage to 2.5x net debt to EBITDA, from 5.0x in 2022, off the back of strong cash-flow generation and controlled CAPEX, supported by improving aircraft utilisation and re-activating previously parked aircraft.