Pour some cups of Ghawa and bring out the dates, Etihad Airways is celebrating one of its most successful years in the air. 

More passengers, new destinations and record-breaking profits were among some of the highlights in the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s full year 2024 report, along with increased operational efficiency, and thousands of new employees. 

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad, welcomed the positive numbers, attributing the fruitful year to the airline’s people “who have worked together for a purpose delivering our strategy”. 

“Their efforts have driven improvements in customer satisfaction measured across all cabin classes and numerous other touchpoints,” he said. “Equally they have delivered sustainable, profitable growth while maintaining disciplined efficiency and a steadfast commitment to safety.

“Looking ahead, I am confident we will continue to be a financially strong airline delivering extraordinary customer experiences, fulfilling our shareholder’s mandate, and contributing to the long-term prosperity and success of the UAE.”

Let’s take a closer look at Etihad’s successful 2024: 

More passengers 

If you travelled with Etihad in 2024, then you were one of 18.5 million people that chose to fly with the carrier over the 12-month period. 

According to the airline, that was a 32% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, up from 14 million in 2023. That’s an extra 4.5 million people that chose Etihad last year. 

There’s no doubt that Etihad’s success in booking more passengers contributed to Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking year of tourism – read more about it here.

The strong demand in flying with Etihad was supported by a 28% year-on-year increase in Available Seat Kilometres as well as an improved passenger load factor of 87% compared to 86% the prior year. 

New destinations and planes 

To cater to that increase in passengers, Etihad expanded its global network in 2024, announcing 20 new destinations. Not resting on their laurels, Etihad launched flights to Bali, Nairobi, and Boston last year, among many others. 

With the new destinations, Etihad now operates over 1,700 flights weekly! That’s a lot of planes taking off and touching down every day.  

Etihad also strengthened its network last year through 126 interline, codeshare and strategic partnerships including that with China Eastern Airlines – the first between a MENA and Chinese airline. 

The carrier also added 12 new aircraft to its fleet including six A320 NEOs and the return to service of the fifth A380. According to Etihad, it operates the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet in the Middle East. 

Revenue went up and so did profits! 

With all those extra flights and passengers, Etihad’s total revenue increased 25% or AED5 billion (US$1.4 billion) last year to AED 25.3 billion (US$6.9 billion). The airline believes this growth was driven by a robust performance in both passenger and cargo business.

Once all expanses were removed, the increase in revenue led to Etihad experiencing its third consecutive year of profitability. And not just any profitability, record-breaking profitability. 

The carrier profited AED1.7 billion (or US$476 million) in 2024 – that’s three times more than profits made in 2023! 

Investing in people and experiences 

Part of Etihad’s biggest investment last year was in its people, with around 2,000 new employees hired over the 12-month period. The airline now has over 11,000 employees and is still hiring! 

The onboarding of new staff made way for the airline to promote 1,500 of its existing employees, mainly pilots and cabin crew. 

Outside of people, Etihad also invested in customer experience last year, with the introduction of a dedicated premium callcentre which deliveres faster and more personalised service for premium travellers. The carrier also leveraged AI to boost productivity and made over 200 enhancements to its website and app.