Etihad growth boosts Abu Dhabi

Last year, Etihad’s cargo division handled 100,000 tonnes compared to 20,000 in 2004.

Meanwhile, passenger figures rose by 150%, from 1.2 million in 2005 to 3 million in 2006. This was largely due to the addition of 16 passenger routes last year. The airline recently opened a route to Australia, making the total destinations on offer at 38.

Etihad has also announced targets for further growth in 2007, including doubling cargo levels to 200,000 tonnes and increasing passenger numbers to four million. The airline is also scheduled to receive ten additional aircraft this year, which is part of an initial order placed in 2004 for 29 new aircraft worth US$8 billion.

“Etihad has seen unparalleled growth over the past 12 months with the momentum set to increase even further during 2007. This rapid expansion makes it absolutely vital for us to have ready access to top suppliers of airline equipment and services from around the world,” said Geert Boven, executive vice president of sales and services, Etihad Airways.

This will be complemented by the $6.8 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is expected to be a catalyst for a significant increase in the number of airlines serving the emirate. Abu Dhabi is hoping the project will secure its position as a major aircraft maintenance and repair hub.

This month also sees the airport host the Aviation Procurement Expo (APEX), a new event bringing together airline officials and aviation suppliers from around the world. The event has been commissioned by the Abu Dhabi government to support the development of the airline and also the emirate’s two other principle aviation companies, the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and the Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (GAMCO).

“APEX is a highly valuable event as it will bring international suppliers directly to us and help to forge productive relationships, which will in turn support our growth,” added Boven.