Etihad Airways has marked a major milestone, flying over 20 million passengers in the past year — the highest in its history. The airline also recorded a strong first quarter with a AED 685 million profit and its highest customer satisfaction ratings to date.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves credited the growth to rising demand and a focused expansion strategy. “No other airline in the region is growing this fast, and we’re just getting started. 2025 is already our biggest year yet,” he said.
To celebrate the achievement, Etihad surprised a couple flying from New Delhi to Toronto with a full upgrade. Mr. and Mrs. Chopra, on their way to visit their daughters, were upgraded to Business Class on the A350 to Abu Dhabi, granted Etihad Guest Gold status at Zayed International, and finished their journey in The Residence — Etihad’s exclusive three-room suite. “This is unforgettable. We feel like celebrities,” Mr. Chopra said.
Etihad’s growth includes three new aircraft, pushing its operational fleet past 100. Among the additions: a new Boeing 787-9 flown by an all-Emirati crew and the first of three Airbus A350-1000s delivered this July. The airline also brought back its seventh A380 to service.
Looking ahead, Etihad plans to add 18 more aircraft in 2025, including the new A321LR, which enters service August 1. The aircraft will feature First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
So far this year, Etihad has launched 27 new routes, with nearly 90 destinations expected by the end of 2025. The expansion supports Abu Dhabi’s push to strengthen its position as a key global hub between Europe and Asia.
The airline’s long-term strategy aims for 125 destinations, a fleet of 170, and 38 million passengers annually by 2030. At the current pace, Etihad is set to beat those targets.
This year, Etihad also swept several categories at the World Travel Awards, including World’s Leading Airline for Customer Experience and Economy Class, and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.
Etihad’s momentum shows no signs of slowing — and neither does Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global aviation.
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