DUBAI : The Abu Dhabi-based carrier announced it carried 10.2 million passengers by June 30, a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth comes despite challenges posed by the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June.
Mohammed Ali Al-Shorafa, Chairman of the Board, attributed the results to aggressive international expansion. Since the start of the year, Etihad has launched or announced 27 new destinations and added 20 aircraft to its fleet over the past 18 months.
CEO Antonaldo Neves said the airline is financially equipped to pursue its ambitious $20 billion expansion strategy over the next decade. He confirmed that while Etihad is “ready for an IPO,” there are currently no plans to go public.
Customer experience upgrades also played a role in boosting performance, with a 20% increase in satisfaction reported in the first quarter. Investments in smoother check-in and boarding, as well as enhanced on-board services, have strengthened the airline’s reputation among global travelers.
Etihad continues to modernize its fleet with the addition of a new Airbus A350-1000 and is set to receive a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2025. Founded in 2003, the airline is now regarded as one of the world’s leading carriers, leveraging its hub in Abu Dhabi to expand connectivity and global reach.