emirates7 - Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, announced the airline’s bold targets for 2025, aiming to transport around 21.5 million passengers by year-end—more than twice the number in 2022.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Neves attributed this growth to a significant fleet expansion, with 18 new aircraft expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Two planes have already joined, and the remaining 16 are scheduled to arrive in the coming months. Having carried over 10 million passengers in the first half of 2025, Etihad is on track to operate a fleet of 115 to 120 aircraft by year’s end.
Reflecting on the airline’s financial progress, Neves highlighted that Etihad broke even in 2022, achieved a 3% profit margin in 2023, and improved it to about 6% last year. This year, profit margins are projected between 7% and 8%. He emphasized a strategic approach of gradually increasing margins annually, funding growth through internal cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.
Regarding its nearly 100 global destinations, Neves explained that growth is not only about adding new routes but also boosting flight frequencies on existing ones. For example, flights to Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak times. About two-thirds of the added capacity is focused on existing markets, with just one-third allocated to new destinations. Atlanta, initially served five times weekly, now has daily flights, and New York has increased from one to two daily flights over the past 18 months. All western routes now offer daily service.
Looking ahead to 2030, Etihad’s strategy centers on reinforcing its presence within a four-hour flight radius, including key markets like India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The airline currently operates four daily flights to important cities such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and Muscat, providing flexible schedules for diverse travelers. It also aims to offer at least two daily flights to all destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the eastern U.S.
Neves revealed that Etihad will soon receive its first A321 Long Range aircraft in Hamburg. This will be the fleet’s first narrow-body plane equipped with a first-class cabin featuring fully flat luxury seats, offering what he called “the world’s best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft.”
He confirmed that Zayed International Airport can support this expansion, with plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve 38 to 39 million passengers by 2030—doubling the airline’s size over the next five years.
Neves also praised Abu Dhabi’s rapid development, describing it as an exceptional place to live and work. The city’s population is increasing at an annual rate of 7%—five to six times the global average—which drives demand for travel and services. The capital’s international events, including exhibitions and conferences, alongside its growing tourism and cultural sectors, further boost travel demand.
He stated, “We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years. This positions us as a key contributor to development while benefiting greatly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism.”
Addressing potential delivery delays, Neves said Etihad had anticipated manufacturing setbacks and adapted its plans by accelerating leased aircraft induction and reintroducing seven A380s into service.
He concluded by saying the airline is now more agile and better equipped to respond to market changes as it pursues its goal of becoming travelers’ preferred airline through outstanding service, flexibility, and strategic growth.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Neves attributed this growth to a significant fleet expansion, with 18 new aircraft expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Two planes have already joined, and the remaining 16 are scheduled to arrive in the coming months. Having carried over 10 million passengers in the first half of 2025, Etihad is on track to operate a fleet of 115 to 120 aircraft by year’s end.
Reflecting on the airline’s financial progress, Neves highlighted that Etihad broke even in 2022, achieved a 3% profit margin in 2023, and improved it to about 6% last year. This year, profit margins are projected between 7% and 8%. He emphasized a strategic approach of gradually increasing margins annually, funding growth through internal cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.
Regarding its nearly 100 global destinations, Neves explained that growth is not only about adding new routes but also boosting flight frequencies on existing ones. For example, flights to Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak times. About two-thirds of the added capacity is focused on existing markets, with just one-third allocated to new destinations. Atlanta, initially served five times weekly, now has daily flights, and New York has increased from one to two daily flights over the past 18 months. All western routes now offer daily service.
Looking ahead to 2030, Etihad’s strategy centers on reinforcing its presence within a four-hour flight radius, including key markets like India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The airline currently operates four daily flights to important cities such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and Muscat, providing flexible schedules for diverse travelers. It also aims to offer at least two daily flights to all destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the eastern U.S.
Neves revealed that Etihad will soon receive its first A321 Long Range aircraft in Hamburg. This will be the fleet’s first narrow-body plane equipped with a first-class cabin featuring fully flat luxury seats, offering what he called “the world’s best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft.”
He confirmed that Zayed International Airport can support this expansion, with plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve 38 to 39 million passengers by 2030—doubling the airline’s size over the next five years.
Neves also praised Abu Dhabi’s rapid development, describing it as an exceptional place to live and work. The city’s population is increasing at an annual rate of 7%—five to six times the global average—which drives demand for travel and services. The capital’s international events, including exhibitions and conferences, alongside its growing tourism and cultural sectors, further boost travel demand.
He stated, “We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years. This positions us as a key contributor to development while benefiting greatly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism.”
Addressing potential delivery delays, Neves said Etihad had anticipated manufacturing setbacks and adapted its plans by accelerating leased aircraft induction and reintroducing seven A380s into service.
He concluded by saying the airline is now more agile and better equipped to respond to market changes as it pursues its goal of becoming travelers’ preferred airline through outstanding service, flexibility, and strategic growth.