Abu Dhabi-based carrier aims to double its fleet size by 2030
Etihad Airways has laid out its growth plans at the Dubai Airshow 2023. In a keynote interview, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, took to the airshow’s main stage to discuss ‘Journey 2030’ – the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s growth plan for the next seven years.
This strategy, supported by the airline’s shareholder, ADQ, signifies a pivotal turning point in the carrier’s journey, setting the stage for a future marked by sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences, with a significant economic contribution to Abu Dhabi.
“As we mark Etihad’s 20th anniversary, we are excited about what is next. Journey 2030 is the guiding plan that propels Etihad into the future,” said Neves.
“Etihad has solidified its global presence and successfully navigated challenges. With strong shareholder support and a strategic plan in place, the airline is poised for sustainable, profitable growth.”
Over the past year, Etihad carried 13 million passengers, a 30% increase from 2021.
Through Journey 2030, this growth trajectory is set to continue, projecting a return to the airline’s peak 2017 passenger numbers by late next year or early 2025, culminating in a target of 33 million passengers by 2030.
125 destinations
Under Journey 2030, the carrier’s network will extend to over 125 destinations, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Asia and Europe.
Simultaneously, the fleet will double to over 160 aircraft, focusing on connecting short and medium-haul destinations in the GCC, India, and Asia with long-haul destinations in Europe and North America.
Core tenets of its network strategy include introducing new destinations, providing more options, and increasing frequencies to key international markets.
“Our mandate is clear: to deliver extraordinary customer service and sustainable profitability as the foundation for Etihad’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s aspirations,” said Neves.
Journey 2030 signifies a strategic milestone for expansion and promises substantial economic benefits for Abu Dhabi as an emirate.
The plan targets attracting 10 million point-to-point travellers to the UAE capital by 2030, catalysing economic growth, creating job opportunities, and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier global travel hub.
“The opening of our new home airport Terminal A is a perfect springboard for our growth and will provide the capacity and the quality we need to cater for our guests,” added Neves.
This year has already proved successful for the airline, which has added 12 new destinations, with further new routes in India, as well as Boston and Nairobi to start shortly.
The airline has also enlarged its operations in several key markets, adding flights and improved connectivity across the network, and it has welcomed 16 new aircraft to its fleet.
Featured image: Antonoaldo Neves highlights Etihad Airways’ growth plans at Dubai Airshow 2023. Image: Etihad Airways
