Tag Archives: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has released its latest traffic statistics for May 2025, highlighting continued expansion and customer demand. The airline carried 1.7 million passengers in May, representing a 19% increase compared to the same month last year. This continued growth reflects the airline’s strategic expansion and strong market positioning. Passenger load factor climbed to 87%, up from 84% in May 2024, reinforcing Etihad’s ability to optimise capacity while maintaining high demand. Etihad’s operating fleet now stands at 100 aircraft, supporting its growing network and service enhancements. In the first five months of 2025, 8.4 million travellers have flown with Etihad, a 17% rise from the same period in 2024, with the airline maintaining an impressive 87% average passenger load factor. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, said: “We saw a pleasing continued growth in our momentum, with May’s passenger numbers growing by 19% year-on-year, underlining our position as the fastest-growing Middle East airline. Our year-to-date results show more than 8 million customers have flown with us in 2025, and our rolling 12-month figure now stands at almost 20 million, a testament to the trust placed in Etihad’s service. “We reached an exciting milestone in May as our fleet number reached the 100 mark. As we continue expanding our route network and growing our fleet in the coming months, our focus remains on delivering a seamless and exceptional customer experience.”

Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, expanding customer access to Northeast Asia and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway between East and West. The partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad’s European network through Abu Dhabi. Etihad will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on 7 September 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new route creates the foundation for the codeshare partnership, positioning Taipei as a gateway for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia. Etihad customers booking through etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app will benefit from streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network. The agreement also opens new pathways for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers bound for Europe. Both airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and establish a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines’ reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we’re offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.” Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of …

Etihad Airways will enhance its Sydney to Abu Dhabi route with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 starting 1 October 2025. Initially operating on select flights alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the A350 will take over all 10 weekly services by 31 January 2026, offering passengers upgraded comfort and premium Business Suites. Meanwhile, Etihad’s Melbourne route will continue daily with the airline’s latest 787-9 aircraft, also featuring the new Business Suites and expanded premium seating. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to bring morepremium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route. When theschedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent,and premium seat count by over 20 per cent.“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility andenhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless traveloptions to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to ourhome in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover programme, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.”

Etihad Airways is reporting significant growth in travel demand between Italy and Abu Dhabi. Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport. The uplift is supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions and reinforcing broader commercial and cultural links between Italy and the UAE. Jurriaan Stelder, SVP Network, Alliances and Industry Affairs, Etihad Airways, said: “The consistent growth we’re seeing from the Italian market highlights Abu Dhabi’s appeal as both a destination and global hub. Italian travellers are responding well to our offering, with steady demand across both leisure and business segments. This connectivity is strengthening tourism and supporting deeper ties across trade, culture and investment.” Italy has emerged as one of Etihad’s fastest-growing European markets, with travel between Italy and Abu Dhabi increasing by 76% compared to 2023. This reflects the growing appeal of the UAE capital as a destination for Italian visitors. This sustained demand has prompted Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport, providing Italian travellers with convenient options to visit Abu Dhabi. The third daily frequency on Milan will be operated by Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR, offering a premium experience that includes a dedicated First class cabin, fully lie-flat Business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an enhanced onboard dining service. This aircraft brings Etihad’s signature long-haul comfort to short- and medium haul travel, further elevating the travel experience for Italian guests. From November, Etihad will be offering more than 10,000 weekly seats between Italy and Abu Dhabi per direction, representing an 80% capacity increase compared to November 2023. The number of premium …

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have officially launched their landmark Joint Venture (JV). The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational, offering seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network. This JV signifies the long-standing ties between the UAE and China by offering expanded travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and across the Middle East and Africa regions. The launch follows the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi last week, which was celebrated with a welcome ceremony at Zayed International Airport. The service starts with four weekly frequencies and will increase to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025, further boosting connectivity between the UAE and China. Building upon the launch of the Joint Venture, the two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes at the Arabian Travel Market on 29 April. Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ global networks — unlocking greater value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The official launch of our Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for the future of both the UAE and China. By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re not only expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, but also setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation, innovation, and shared success …

Etihad announced that it will double its flights to Nairobi, Kenya, increasing to 14 weekly services starting 15 December 2025. The announcement comes less than a year since the airline resumed flights to the Kenyan capital, underlining the strength of the route. Nairobi, a prominent East African business hub known as the “Green City in the Sun,” seamlessly blends commercial prowess with natural beauty. The city uniquely hosts Nairobi National Park within its boundaries, offers a rich array of cultural attractions including museums and art galleries, and serves as a gateway to Kenya’s world-famous wildlife destinations. Etihad Airways is significantly expanding its African network with new destinations and increased frequencies, reinforcing its commitment to the continent’s growing demand for air connectivity. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, commented: “At Etihad, we have long recognised the need to strengthen our presence in Africa. Over the past year, we have been focusing on a holistic approach that enhances our presence by expanding our fleet, increasing frequencies, and forming key partnerships.” “We’re encouraged by the positive early results and are pleased to announce the expansion of our Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights, as well as the increase of our Seychelles service to six weekly flights in partnership with Air Seychelles. We’re also introducing daily 787 services to Casablanca and Johannesburg.” “Together with Air Seychelles and our groundbreaking relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, these strategic partnerships form a key foundation as we add four new direct routes to Africa from Abu Dhabi this year, underlining our growing commitment to service the dynamic continent.”  

Etihad Airways has welcomed its sixth A350 to its growing fleet. The state-of-the-art aircraft arrived this weekend following a successful delivery flight from Toulouse, France, further strengthening Etihad’s position as one of the airlines with the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the sky. The A350 is a favourite with guests, boasting an unparalleled flying experience with award-winning Business Class, featuring privacy-focused sliding doors, wireless charging, and cutting-edge inflight entertainment systems, while Economy Class offers ergonomic seating, device holders, and Bluetooth connectivity with inflight entertainment. Renowned for its sustainability, the A350 stands out as one of the most efficient wide-body jets, with 25 per cent lower CO2 emissions and a 50 per cent smaller noise footprint compared to earlier-generation aircraft. The long-range of the A350-1000 makes it a versatile aircraft for Etihad’s fleet. This summer, Etihad will begin operating the A350 to Atlanta, its newest and sixth gateway into North America and one of 16 new routes Etihad is launching this year.

Etihad Airways and Air Europa are set to work towards a strategic partnership, enhancing commercial and operational ties to provide travellers with wider choices, higher quality services, and increased value. Etihad is increasing its flights to twice daily to Air Europa’s hub in Madrid from summer 2025, providing seamless access between Abu Dhabi and Spain. The partnership would further strengthen connectivity between Europe and Latin America, and the Middle East and Asia, creating seamless travel options across these key regions. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial of Etihad Airways, said: ” We are in discussions to establish a strategic partnership covering a range of activities, including deepening our codeshare and frequent flyer programme, enabling both airlines to expand into new frontiers, and a potential wet lease operation with an Air Europa aircraft between Madrid and Abu Dhabi. “Any partnership will work towards benefiting customers of both airlines, underscoring our commitment to providing our valued customers with a seamless travel experience and access to a wider network, including Air Europa’s leading Latin America Network.” ‘We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Etihad Airways into a scenario that will be even more rewarding for our customers. By initiating our operations between Madrid-Barajas and Abu Dhabi, it will further extend our reach to the Middle East and Asia, opening up more possibilities to connect both regions to the Americas via Europe, while offering the highest standards of quality,’ said Richard Clark, Air Europa’s General Manager. Etihad and Air Europa already have a partnership that includes bilateral codesharing and allows members of their frequent flyer programmes to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights. The enhanced collaboration would further solidify Air …

Etihad Airways announces the roll out of its new and elevated digital experience across etihad.com and the mobile app. The new digital experience offers a modern and inviting platform to book travel and gain inspiration for upcoming journeys. The website navigation is re-engineered as a standout left-side menu allowing users to move seamlessly and efficiently through the site; while the bold colour of ‘midnight dune’ from Etihad’s newly integrated colour palette, gives an enticing first impression. A strong emphasis on enhanced digital self-service options makes the user experience easier and more personalised. During the online check-in process many new features have been added including pre-populated data to save time, an improved seat map and streamlined access to travel extras all within a simple three-step process. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “In our commitment to delivering an extraordinary customer experience, we’ve completely redesigned the digital experience ensuring that our guests enjoy engaging with us from the very first touch of a screen until reaching their destination and beyond. Furthermore, we’ve made sure our valued Etihad Guest members can enjoy the benefits of a more personalised experience now conveniently in the one app or website.” Adding to this, Etihad Airways’ Chief Digital Officer, Frank Meyer, said: “At Etihad, we are constantly evolving and innovating the digital experience in line with customer preferences and industry trends. In our commitment to innovation and improvement, we will continue to go beyond expectations by delivering a more personalised and seamless online experience for our guests.” The Etihad Airways mobile app, on both Android and iOS, now also serves as a digital travel assistant with booking, trip management and loyalty member profiles …

Wipro Limited announced that it has been selected by Etihad Airways to lead its comprehensive technology modernization. Wipro will ensure seamless migration of legacy systems and improve operational efficiency across key areas, including workplace, network, infrastructure, and service management. As part of the five-year contract, Wipro FullStride Cloud will deliver a customized cloud-based solution that will provide Etihad Airways real-time insights into their resource utilization and improve operational agility and scalability for their global operations. Wipro will also integrate Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) modules across the IT framework – from automation of data centers to conversational support to end-users. GenAI will also provide intelligent device management and GenAI-based insights that will optimize performance and resolve potential disruptions proactively. Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We look forward to working with Wipro to prepare for the AI era, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization. Together, we aim to elevate our customers’ experiences through advanced automation, intelligent operations, and enhanced observability.” Vinay Firake, CEO – Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Wipro Limited, said, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Etihad Airways and enable them to adapt to the dynamic needs of the aviation industry. Through our proven expertise in digital transformation and AI-powered solutions, we will deliver seamless, efficient and innovative services to their customers.” Additionally, Etihad Airways will gain access to Wipro’s Innovation Lab in the UAE, which will play a pivotal role in enhancing their technology to meet the evolving demands of their global operations. For more than two decades, Wipro has operated in the Middle East with thousands of employees and providing opportunities for local talent to effectively serve …