Etihad Airways has reported a remarkable profit after tax of AED 526 million (US $143 million) in Q1 2024, a substantial leap from AED 59 million (US $16 million) in Q1 2023. The airline’s success is underpinned by robust passenger revenue, with 4.2 million passengers carried over the quarter, marking a 41% YoY increase.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves attributes the stellar performance to resilience, customer service, and growth strategies. Expansion plans include optimising the network, launching new flights, and enhancing services.

Following the recent commencement of services to Boston and the reintroduction of the A380 on the New York route, Etihad has further solidified its US proposition with the recent announcement that qualifying JetBlue’s TrueBlue and Etihad Guest members can now earn points and redeem flights and upgrades across both airlines.

Etihad and the Department of Culture & Tourism combine efforts to entice visitors from emerging markets with generous stopover programs.

In a move to increase visitation numbers even further, travellers now also have the option to add a one or two-night complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi staying at a premier hotel when making flight bookings online at etihad.com. Etihad’s boarding pass also doubles up as the Abu Dhabi pass offering discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions as well as dining experiences.

Neves shared, “We plan to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the Stopover programme over the next year, and we’re confident that once they have a taste of what the capital has to offer, they will return for more. We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to showcase what the emirate has to offer to the world.”

Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, said, “This innovative initiative provides a snapshot of the diverse experiences available here — from entertainment and culture to leisure and beyond — inspiring travellers to return and immerse themselves in the complete Abu Dhabi experience.”