Etihad seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as a centre of hospitality between East and West. Its goal is to be a truly 21st century global airline challenging and changing the established conventions of airline hospitality. Apart from providing a relaxing experience, it strives to make travel safe and environment-friendly by practicing the highest global standards in both these areas. The airline is constantly innovating, taking the smallest detail into account in its pursuit of excellence and perfection. The overall ambition of Etihad Airways is to be the best airline in the world.

 

Etihad is governed by a Board of Directors under the chairmanship of HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan while the airline’s management team is led by James Hogan who was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in October 2006 to lead the airline’s continued successful growth and development. The ongoing redevelopment work at Abu Dhabi International Airport has significantly enhanced the experience for guests. The second runway, officially opened in October 2008, is part of a large scale UAE Dirham (AED) 25 billion redevelopment programme and expansion project at the airport. Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi Airport, an exclusive facility for Etihad, was opened in February 2009 increasing the airport’s passenger handling capacity from five to 12 million passengers a year. The first phase of a Midfield Terminal Complex is due for completion in the next few years and will take the airport’s handling capacity to 20 million passengers. The airport will be capable of handling 40 million passengers by 2030 when the project is completed.
 

Fleet and network

Etihad’s fleet, among the youngest in the world, has 57 aircraft operating 1,032 flights per week serving an international network of 68 destinations in 45 countries in the Middle East, North America (New York, Chicago and Toronto), Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia (including Kathmandu in Nepal). In addition, Etihad has 30 code-share agreements in place, building the airline’s international network. As part of its long term vision, Etihad plans to operate in up to 100 major business and leisure destinations around the world by 2020.

 

The airline announced the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history at Farnborough International Air show in 2008, for up to 205 aircraft – 100 firm orders, 55 options (guaranteeing the price of the aircraft and the delivery date) and 50 purchase rights (guaranteeing the price of the aircraft but not the delivery date).

People and Company Growth

Currently, close to 8,000 people work at Etihad Airways with the majority based in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In order to meet Etihad’s predicted fleet, passenger and destination growth by 2020 – which plans for more than 25 million passengers to fly to more than 100 destinations aboard a fleet of 150 planes – the airline will need a workforce of approximately 27,000 people. In 2010, Etihad saw passenger numbers top 7 million (7.1 million passengers carried) for the first time and revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rise 20.1 per cent. Etihad’s revenue exceeded US $2.9 billion in 2010.

 

On the ground, Etihad has introduced a range of services designed to make the travel experience as comfortable, smooth and fast as possible. It offers a range of convenient ground services, including Etihad Chauffeur, its premium limousine service available at 27 destinations globally, and premium lounges (370,000 lounge guests hosted) in Abu Dhabi, London, Frankfurt, Dublin and Manchester.

Etihad Guest

Etihad Guest is an award-winning loyalty programme boasting over one million members to date. Launched in August 2006, the programme offers its members opportunities to accumulate Etihad Guest Miles which can be redeemed against a wide selection of over 1,800 flight and non-flight rewards from over 200 partners. Non-flight rewards cover a wide variety of categories from computer and electronic equipment to jewellery and lifestyle products. Each year, over 40 promotions are organised by the CRM and Loyalty department and communicated to all Etihad Guest members.

Sponsorships

Etihad supports a range of sporting and cultural events in the UAE and the world over. These sponsorships are consistent with Etihad’s values of hospitality and team spirit and helps bring Abu Dhabi to the world and vice-versa. Its major sponsorships include Etihad Stadium, Ferrari Formula 1 (F1) Team, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, Harlequins Rugby Football Club, F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Manchester City Football Club.

Marketing

The airline’s marketing department plays a major role in taking the Etihad Airways story to the world. Etihad was awarded ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards in 2010 for the second consecutive year. It set the benchmark for the airline’s brand communications enabling Etihad to inspire its audiences through a range of campaigns to ‘fly with the best’. The same year, it launched an international television advertising campaign titled ‘He Likes, She Likes’ showcasing the airline’s continued investment in products and services and commitment to offering a tailored, personal experience for every traveller.n

 

An Award Winning Airline

Etihad has received a range of awards that reflects its position as the leading premium airline brand in the world. In its first seven years of operation, its range of local and international awards includes:

2011

 Best Long Haul Airline – Irish Travel Awards

2010

 Airline of the Year – Aviation Business Awards

 World’s Leading Airline – World Travel Awards (second consecutive year)

 World’s Best First Class – Skytrax (judged by over 18 million air travellers worldwide in the annual Skytrax survey)

2009

 World’s Leading Airline - World Travel Awards (WTA)

 Best Airline to the Middle East / Africa - Irish Travel Trade News awards, Dublin

2008

 European Sponsorship of the Year Award - European Sponsorship Association

 James Hogan, Aviation CEO of the year - CEO Middle East awards (ITP)

 Best website www.etihadairways.com - Pan Arab Web Awards

2007

 Best Economy class catering award - Skytrax

 The Middle East’s Leading Airline - World Travel Awards

2006

 Middle East Airline of the Year - Pax International magazine

2005

 Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – Pax International magazine

2004

 The World’s Leading New Airline – World Travel Awards

 

 

‘Essential Abu Dhabi’