emirates7 - Etihad Airways has reported a record-setting first quarter in 2025, achieving its highest-ever profitability and customer satisfaction ratings, further building on the momentum gained in 2024. The airline posted a profit after tax of AED685 million (US$187 million), a 30% year-on-year increase, fueled by strong passenger demand and enhanced operational efficiency. Total revenue rose by 15% compared to Q1 2024, supported by growth in both the passenger and cargo segments.
Carrying 5 million passengers in Q1 2025—a 16% increase from the same period last year—Etihad continues to lead the regional market in passenger growth. Over the past 12 months, nearly 20 million passengers flew with the airline, positioning it as the fastest-growing carrier in the region. Customer satisfaction also reached new heights, with ratings improving 20% year-on-year.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves praised the milestone results, stating, “Delivering our highest-ever Q1 profit and top customer satisfaction scores highlights the strength of our business model and the commitment of our team.” He emphasized the airline's strategic focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and providing exceptional customer experiences—from enhanced onboard offerings and airport services to the introduction of the A321LR, featuring a market-leading narrowbody product.
Etihad’s growth strategy is underscored by a network expansion, with 16 new routes planned for 2025 and additional aircraft entering service. Passenger revenue grew 16%, reaching AED5.5 billion (US$1.5 billion), supported by increased capacity, flight frequency, and ongoing network development.
Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) rose 14% year-on-year, and the airline achieved a passenger load factor of 87%, up 1 percentage point from the previous year. The operational fleet reached 98 aircraft by the end of March, including the reactivation of a sixth A380 and the April delivery of a new A350-1000.
Etihad operated flights to 80 destinations as of March 2025, with continued expansion planned throughout the year to tap into key global markets. Despite a 4% in cargo volumes, improved yield led to an 8% year-on-year growth in cargo revenue.
Etihad’s strong financial performance was also reflected in its EBITDA, which surged by 32% year-on-year to AED1.4 billion (US$379 million), lifting the EBITDA margin to 21%, a 3-percentage point improvement from Q1 2024.
In addition, the airline bolstered its financial resilience by reducing its net leverage to 1.1x, down from 1.9x in March 2024. Cash flow from operations climbed to AED1.8 billion (US$500 million), marking an 11% year-on-year increase.
Carrying 5 million passengers in Q1 2025—a 16% increase from the same period last year—Etihad continues to lead the regional market in passenger growth. Over the past 12 months, nearly 20 million passengers flew with the airline, positioning it as the fastest-growing carrier in the region. Customer satisfaction also reached new heights, with ratings improving 20% year-on-year.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves praised the milestone results, stating, “Delivering our highest-ever Q1 profit and top customer satisfaction scores highlights the strength of our business model and the commitment of our team.” He emphasized the airline's strategic focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and providing exceptional customer experiences—from enhanced onboard offerings and airport services to the introduction of the A321LR, featuring a market-leading narrowbody product.
Etihad’s growth strategy is underscored by a network expansion, with 16 new routes planned for 2025 and additional aircraft entering service. Passenger revenue grew 16%, reaching AED5.5 billion (US$1.5 billion), supported by increased capacity, flight frequency, and ongoing network development.
Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) rose 14% year-on-year, and the airline achieved a passenger load factor of 87%, up 1 percentage point from the previous year. The operational fleet reached 98 aircraft by the end of March, including the reactivation of a sixth A380 and the April delivery of a new A350-1000.
Etihad operated flights to 80 destinations as of March 2025, with continued expansion planned throughout the year to tap into key global markets. Despite a 4% in cargo volumes, improved yield led to an 8% year-on-year growth in cargo revenue.
Etihad’s strong financial performance was also reflected in its EBITDA, which surged by 32% year-on-year to AED1.4 billion (US$379 million), lifting the EBITDA margin to 21%, a 3-percentage point improvement from Q1 2024.
In addition, the airline bolstered its financial resilience by reducing its net leverage to 1.1x, down from 1.9x in March 2024. Cash flow from operations climbed to AED1.8 billion (US$500 million), marking an 11% year-on-year increase.