Etihad Eyes Profitable 2024 Amid Aircraft Delivery Delays

3 months ago Editor

Etihad Airways is on track for another profitable year, despite facing aircraft delivery delays. The airline’s strategic growth and operational efficiencies have led to a significant revenue increase in the first half of 2024.

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based airline, is on track for another profitable year, reporting a 48% surge in first-half income despite ongoing challenges with aircraft deliveries. The airline’s CEO expressed optimism in the new leadership at Boeing, urging timely deliveries of the much-anticipated 787 Dreamliners.

The airline expects to receive 20 Boeing and Airbus jets, including A350 wide-bodies, A321LR narrow-bodies, and 787 Dreamliners, starting from July 2025, later than originally scheduled. These delays are a significant concern as they could affect the airline’s performance during peak travel periods.

To mitigate capacity shortfalls, Etihad is reintroducing five of its A380 double-deckers and leasing additional A321 Neos. The airline is also considering bringing more A380s back into service, depending on market conditions.

Despite these challenges, Etihad’s operational efficiencies and strategic growth plan have yielded a 21% revenue increase in the first half of 2024, driven by strong passenger and cargo performance. The airline carried 8.7 million passengers during this period, with a load factor of 85%.

Looking ahead, Etihad plans to triple its passenger numbers to 33 million and double its fleet to 150 planes by the end of the decade, with a potential public listing also on the horizon. The airline remains confident in its ability to meet these ambitious goals, bolstered by the strong demand in the GCC region and beyond.