Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has embarked on an ambitious growth plan, targeting 33 million passengers by 2030.
Over the past year, the Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 13 million passengers, a 30 percent increase from 2022. It is projecting a return to its peak passenger numbers (in 2017) by late next year or early 2025.
Revealing this in a keynote interview at Dubai Airshow, Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, discussed the seven-year plan, which is called Journey 2030.
Neves said: “As we mark Etihad’s 20th anniversary, we are excited about what’s next. Journey 2030 is the guiding plan that propels Etihad into the future. Etihad has solidified its global presence and successfully navigated challenges. Now, with strong shareholder support and a strategic plan in place, the airline is poised for sustainable, profitable growth.”
Etihad’s ambitious 2030 expansion unveiled
Under Journey 2030, Etihad’s network will extend to over 125 destinations, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Asia and Europe. It also plans to double its fleet to over 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.
Etihad will introduce new destinations, provide more options and increase frequencies to key international markets.
This year has already proved successful for the airline. It has added 12 new destinations, with further new routes in India, as well as Boston and Nairobi to start shortly. The airline has 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.
Journey 2030 also 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 and creating job opportunities.
Neves explained: “Our mandate is clear…to deliver extraordinary customer service and sustainable profitability, as the foundation for Etihad’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s aspirations.
“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.”
The Journey 2030 strategy is supported by the airline’s shareholder, ADQ, and sets the stage for a future marked by sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences.
Neves concluded: “Twenty years ago, the leaders of the UAE launched a remarkable airline which has established a global reputation. Our rich past is the perfect starting point for our next chapter. Journey 2030 will ensure we continue to delight our customers, our people and our nation in the years to come and be the airline everyone wants to fly.”
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