Latest news with #AntonoaldoNeves
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Over 3,000 Emiratis eager to explore key opportunities at Etihad's career fair
Etihad Airways hosted its inaugural KHUTWATY 2025 career fair, a high-impact event aimed at identifying and attracting the UAE's most ambitious and capable Nationals to join the airline's next phase of growth. Held at Yas Conference Centre, the event drew over 3,000 Emiratis eager to explore roles where they can contribute their skills and expertise, grow into leadership positions, and shape the future of aviation in the UAE. It was an open invitation to those ready to play a role in giving flight to ambition – Etihad's core purpose. KHUTWATY 2025 offered direct engagement with Etihad's executive leadership and recruitment teams, insight into the airline's high-performance standards, and access to Etihad's six flagship UAE National Talent Programmes: Cadet Pilot, Cadet Technician, Airport Management, Bedayati, MBA Graduate, and Emerging Talent. Each programme is structured to fast-track high-potential individuals into roles that demand ownership, accountability, and impact. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, stated: 'We are entering one of the most ambitious chapters in Etihad's journey. To deliver on our vision to be the airline everyone wants to fly, we need the best minds and strongest drive. KHUTWATY is about selecting future leaders: Nationals who think strategically, act with intent, and are ready to push this company – and this country – forward.' Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, Etihad Airways, added: 'KHUTWATY 2025 is designed to connect ambitious UAE Nationals with real opportunities. We are not simply offering employment – we are opening the door to those ready to take on responsibility, make an impact, and help shape the future of Etihad and the UAE. We're looking for leaders who will carry the UAE's ambition into the skies and beyond. Our commitment to UAE National talent is not just a priority – it reflects our belief that ambition, when met with the right mindset and drive, is what truly drives sustainable success.' Learning from Those Who've Done It A cornerstone of the event was a curated series of talks by Emirati professionals who have risen through Etihad – demonstrating what's possible through commitment and high performance. Their journeys demonstrate Etihad's values: ambitious, driven, united, authentic, safe, and passionate. Senior leaders also hosted panel discussions outlining the structure and expectations of each talent programme, with open Q&A sessions that offered direct insight into the opportunities ahead. Practical Tools to Stand Out KHUTWATY 2025 featured focused workshops designed to sharpen attendees' readiness to compete and lead. Sessions included: Digital recruitment masterclasses – practical guidance on navigating Etihad's hiring process Personal branding workshops – run in partnership with LinkedIn Communication and confidence coaching – delivered in collaboration with Mawaheb – Department of Government Enablement KHUTWATY 2025 underscored a clear message: Etihad is looking for Emiratis who are ready to step up, contribute with purpose, and play a meaningful role in the airline's future. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has delivered record-breaking financial performance and highest-ever customer satisfaction performance in the first quarter of 2025, building on last year's momentum with further notable improvements across revenue, operational efficiency, and fleet expansion. Profit after tax reached Dhs 685 million (U.S.$ 187 million), marking a 30 per cent increase year-on-year, driven by robust passenger demand and operational efficiencies. Total revenue saw a 15 per cent rise compared to Q1 2024, supported by both passenger and cargo business. Etihad continues to lead the region in passenger growth, carrying 5.0 million guests in Q1 2025 – a 16 per cent year-on-year increase – and maintaining strong momentum into Q2. With nearly 20 million passengers carried over the last 12 months, Etihad is the fastest-growing airline in the region. Customer satisfaction reached a record high in Q1 2025, with scores improving by 20 per cent year-on-year. Gains were recorded across key touchpoints, including check-in, boarding, inflight service, food and beverage, Wi-Fi, and the updated website and mobile app. The quarter also saw the launch of new lounge and inflight menus, alongside upgraded service standards. The fleet continued to expand to support the guest experience. One additional A380 returned to service during the quarter, offering First Apartments and The Residence. In April, Etihad took delivery of another A350-1000, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner to follow. These new aircraft feature ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi and updated inflight entertainment systems. Etihad also advanced its premium offering, expanding First Class to more routes and preparing new ground and inflight services for rollout from August. In April, the airline introduced its new A321LR cabin, becoming the first in the region to offer First Class on a single-aisle aircraft.
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Etihad Airways in no rush to go public, says chief executive
Etihad Airways is no rush to go public, according to the airline's chief executive Antonoaldo Neves. When asked about the Abu Dhabi airline's initial public offering, Mr Neves said it's all 'speculation'. 'Right now, the focus is on deleveraging the company. The more debt is reduced, the more returns can be given to shareholders, who are the ultimate decision-makers on any IPO. There's no rush for capital, no rush to go public,' he told The National in an interview. However, Mr Neves said that an airline IPO would be a potential structural shift for the UAE's capital markets. Such an event could rebalance investor focus and redefine the region's financial landscape, he said. The airline's chief executive has a clear mandate: grow the business. And he has delivered, making it clear his goal is to dominate a four-hour flight radius from Abu Dhabi, 'an area that includes two billion potential customers'. Like every global chief executive, Mr Neves has faced disruptions from trade liberalisation, tariffs and the unpredictable moves of US President Donald Trump. Yet he was quick to point out that Etihad's exposure to the US market, particularly in cargo, is limited – and, in fact, that business has grown, he said. So far, US policies and rhetoric have had little direct impact, Mr Never explained. His real worry is not tariffs or political posturing, but rather a potential imbalance in transatlantic supply and demand, particularly a drop in passenger traffic from Europe and the UK to the US. That could send ripple effects across the Middle East, he warned. 'If North Atlantic routes falter, excess aircraft might be redirected to this region, putting downward pressure on pricing and disrupting the market,' he feared. Last week, during Mr Trump's visit to the UAE, Etihad announced an order for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft with GE engines, valued at $14.5 billion. Delivery of the aircraft, which include 787s and the 777X, will start in 2028. Regarding Etihad's recent aircraft order from Boeing, Mr Neves was unequivocal: 'These planes are for growth.' With 18 new destinations planned for 2025, Etihad's 'ambition is clear', he said. The chief executive added that he is in close contact with Boeing leaders such as Dave Calhoun and Stephanie Pope and believes the aircraft manufacturer's improved performance over the past six months shows the 'worst is behind them'.
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Etihad Airways CEO on record growth, future plans and IPO possibilities
Antonoaldo Neves talks to The National about profits, expansion and what's next for the Abu Dhabi airline
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Etihad Airways is in no rush to go public, says chief executive
Etihad Airways is no rush to go public, according to the airline's chief executive Antonoaldo Neves. When asked about the Abu Dhabi airline's initial public offering, Mr Neves said it's all 'speculation'. 'Right now, the focus is on deleveraging the company. The more debt is reduced, the more returns can be given to shareholders, who are the ultimate decision-makers on any IPO. There's no rush for capital, no rush to go public,' he told The National in an interview. However, Mr Neves said that an airline IPO would be a potential structural shift for the UAE's capital markets. Such an event could rebalance investor focus and redefine the region's financial landscape, he said. The airline's chief executive has a clear mandate: grow the business. And he has delivered, making it clear his goal is to dominate a four-hour flight radius from Abu Dhabi, 'an area that includes two billion potential customers'. Like every global chief executive, Mr Neves has faced disruptions from trade liberalisation, tariffs and the unpredictable moves of US President Donald Trump. Yet he was quick to point out that Etihad's exposure to the US market, particularly in cargo, is limited – and, in fact, that business has grown, he said. So far, US policies and rhetoric have had little direct impact, Mr Never explained. His real worry is not tariffs or political posturing, but rather a potential imbalance in transatlantic supply and demand, particularly a drop in passenger traffic from Europe and the UK to the US. That could send ripple effects across the Middle East, he warned. 'If North Atlantic routes falter, excess aircraft might be redirected to this region, putting downward pressure on pricing and disrupting the market,' he feared. Last week, during Mr Trump's visit to the UAE, Etihad announced an order for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft with GE engines, valued at $14.5 billion. Delivery of the aircraft, which include 787s and the 777X, will start in 2028. Regarding Etihad's recent aircraft order from Boeing, Mr Neves was unequivocal: 'These planes are for growth.' With 18 new destinations planned for 2025, Etihad's 'ambition is clear', he said. The chief executive added that he is in close contact with Boeing leaders such as Dave Calhoun and Stephanie Pope and believes the aircraft manufacturer's improved performance over the past six months shows the 'worst is behind them'.
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Etihad Airways is IPO-ready, but no date has been decided yet, says CEO
Etihad Airways is ready to go public whenever it gets a nod from the shareholders, but no date has been decided yet, its chief executive said. 'There is no date (to launch IPO), but we're ready. Let me be very transparent about that. We're ready to go the day the shareholder decides to go,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways. 'We live in a situation where other airlines are buying back shares because they're making so much money that the shareholders are saying, 'Look, I want to buy back shares,'' he told Khaleej Times in an interview on Thursday. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. He added that shareholders of other airlines believe that the company is making money and paying dividends, hence, they don't need capital. 'Our balance sheet is very strong, so it's for the shareholder to decide (about going public). So there's no date defined,' he said. Quoting sources, Reuters reported in March 2025 that the Abu Dhabi-based national carrier will launch $1 billion. In addition to Etihad Airways, the news about Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates Airlines has also been doing rounds for many years. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and Group, also said during a media interaction at the Arabian Travel Market in May that the airline is IPO-ready. He said that if the Dubai government asks the company to go public, I have to do it. Many Dubai and Abu Dhabi companies have gone public over the past few years, as governments are looking to further deepen local stock markets. There has been a strong demand for the UAE IPOs. The latest IPO of Dubai Residential REIT was oversubscribed 26 times. On Wednesday, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways announced a record after-tax first-quarter profit of Dh685 million, an increase of 30 per cent, on the back of higher passenger numbers. Its revenues grew 15 per cent year-on-year, reaching Dh6.6 billion, driven by both passenger and cargo businesses. It carried 5.0 million passengers, a 16 per cent increase year-on-year, with load factor improving to 87 per cent.
