Latest news with #AntonoaldoNeves
The National
2 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Etihad chief says 'too early to say' if Air Arabia will pick up Wizz Air slots
It is 'too early' to say whether Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, a joint venture between Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, will take some of the slots of Wizz Air following its exit from the UAE capital, Etihad's chief executive has said. 'It is too early because it requires aeroplanes, it requires pilots and they need to study that,' Antonoaldo Neves told The National when asked if Air Arabia Abu Dhabi would be interested in Wizz Air's airport slots in other destinations. Hungarian carrier Wizz Air will suspend its Abu Dhabi operations from September 1, it said in a statement on Monday. Asked if the ultra low-cost carrier's departure will mean less competitive pressure for Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Mr Neves said: 'They're adding capacity here into Abu Dhabi but it is too early to tell because everything happened so quickly.' However, the joint venture is profitable and Air Arabia is 'doing a terrific job', said Mr Neves, who is also chairman of the board in Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. Wizz Air has cited operational challenges, including engine problems that have grounded aircraft among its reasons for the exit. The airline began operations in the UAE capital in January 2021. On Wednesday Air Arabia Abu Dhabi said it had added two Airbus A320s to its fleet and will add two more before the end of the year, increasing operational capacity by 40 per cent in 2025. 'This growth supports the rising demand for air travel to and from Abu Dhabi,' Adel Al Ali, group chief executive of Air Arabia, said in a statement. 'The planned capacity increase in 2025 will further contribute to the capital's broader economic and tourism vision while continuing to offer value-driven air travel to our customers.' A day after Wizz Air's announcement, Etihad Airways on Tuesday said it was introducing flights to Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Madinah, Tbilisi, Tashkent and Yerevan. These routes were served by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Asked if Etihad was taking over some of Wizz Air's slots, Mr Neves said: 'It does not work like that. These destinations were part of our 2030 plan. Where there is a space in the market, someone is going to fill it in, and we have the agility to fill it. We saw a market opportunity and we took it. 'These slots are not the same [as Wizz Air] because they are different flight times … so technically speaking, it's different slots.' The traffic rights to operate in these markets are available to UAE airlines, he added. Etihad would have been able to enter them even if Wizz had continued its Abu Dhabi operations. The destinations will become underserved with Wizz Air's exit from Abu Dhabi and they were already on Etihad's radar before that, he said. 'These markets that we chose, we believe that they can accommodate in a profitable way our flights,' he said. Linus Bauer, founder and managing director of consultancy BAA & Partners, told The National that Wizz Air's retreat 'reduces competitive pressure' on UAE carriers, especially flydubai and Air Arabia, and may allow them to consolidate share on certain price-sensitive routes. Geopolitical tensions in the region may have 'dented travel optimism, but it hasn't destroyed it. What's changed is that passengers – especially in the budget segment – are factoring in travel risks and flexibility more than ever before,' he said. 'The appetite for ultra-low fares may remain, but not at the cost of unpredictability. This puts added pressure on low-cost carriers to deliver not just price, but reliability – something increasingly difficult to guarantee in today's environment.' Gulf airspace closures In his years of experience in the aviation industry across global markets, Etihad Airways' boss has seen his share of challenges: Workers strikes in Europe, floods in Brazil and the Gulf airspace closures during the Israel-Iran war. Etihad Airways has managed 'very well' the closures that halted operations at Abu Dhabi's busy airport for a few hours in June, is on track to report 'high' second-quarter profits and its travel bookings for July and August are strong, Mr Neves. The scope of the airspace challenge was not as big as the fallout from work stoppages or natural disasters that paralyse air travel for longer periods, he said. 'I can guarantee you that the challenges we had, are not even close to the challenges you have in Europe when you have a strike,' he said. The airspace closures also did not compare to the impact of record floods that caused the six-month closure of Salgado Filho international airport, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2024, he added. 'We are blessed: We have a very efficient airspace operation,' Mr Neves said. 'The day the airspace was closed, I was in Etihad from 10pm to 2am following very closely the operation, staying in direct contact with air traffic control, the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre and our airport.' 'I've been in these situations before, and what I've seen here is a level of professionalism and competency that I've never seen in my career. So that day I went back home at 2am and slept so well … my family was waiting for me and asking: 'How did it go?' and I said: 'It is all good'.' The Gulf countries' management of the airspace closure, following Iran's thwarted attack on Qatar's US airbase at Al Udeid, was efficient thanks to 'robust' systems, procedures and safety standards, according to the airline chief. 'It was amazing, I saw it. What we have here is a blessing. We know how to manage these situations,' Mr Neves said. Speaking at a media briefing in Singapore on Wednesday, International Air Transport Association director general Willie Walsh said the impact of geopolitical issues on airlines is greater 'than I've ever seen before', Reuters reported. Second quarter earnings Mr Neves admitted the geopolitical tensions and airspace closures had created a 'dent' in bookings 'but it's completely recovered'. 'It's behind us. I don't even think about that any more,' he said. Etihad's load factor – a measure of how well an airline fills available seats – has reached 92 per cent this week. 'I don't have space, it's crazy. July and August are as busy as ever before,' Mr Neves said. He said the airline's earnings took a hit from higher costs due to making longer flights to avoid certain airspace and a 'bit less revenue' but this was not 'significant to change the trajectory of market expansion of Etihad'. 'I just saw our results. Our profits year-on-year are going to be high,' he said. Mr Neves said the airline did not record any increases in its insurance costs amid the Middle East conflicts. 'I just submitted to my board approving my insurance policy renewal and it's cheaper than before,' he said. The airline also has an oil hedging policy in place that is helping it deal with recent fuel price volatility. 'We have a very good hedging policy so we can absorb those shocks, so it's not a concern for us,' Mr Neves said. 'We're in a good position and we work very hard for that. The teams are doing a terrific job.'
The National
5 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Etihad Airways revises growth target up to 38 million passengers by 2030
Etihad Airways is revising its growth targets upwards to carry 38 million passengers by 2030, from a previous goal of 33 million, as it seeks to bring more point-to-point traffic to the UAE capital. The Abu Dhabi-based airline aims to expand 15 per cent every year until the end of the decade as it carries more passengers, adds 20 planes annually and reaps benefits from joint venture partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and China Eastern, Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's chief executive, told The National. The revised growth plans prompted the airline to place an order in May for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft, a mix of 787s and 777Xs, during US President Donald Trump's visit to Abu Dhabi. " The plan that we have today is for 38 million Boeing order that we put is to get to that objective," Mr Neves said. "The strategy to bring more people into Abu Dhabi, to improve customer service and to provide people with more choice on the network is working very well. We're confident," he said, citing the 7.5 per cent surge in Abu Dhabi's population to more than four million last year. Etihad had outlined plans for its so-called Journey 2030, a seven-year growth agenda announced in November 2023 when it marked its 20th anniversary. The strategy calls for doubling its fleet to 170 planes and tripling the number of passengers it carries annually to 33 million as it expands its global route network. In 2024, the airline carried 18.5 million passengers. Sustainable growth This year, Etihad will take delivery of 22 planes and has announced a flurry of new destinations. It launched inaugural flights to four new destinations this year – Prague, Warsaw, Sochi and Atlanta – and is set to add another 13 routes before the year closes. On Tuesday, it announced an additional seven new destinations with a focus on the Caucasus and Central Asia. Asked if the rapid rate of network expansion was sustainable, Mr Neves said he was "confident" that this level of growth is manageable. "There's not a single week that I don't think about growth and safety and financial profitability," the airline boss said. "These are the three things that are always on my mind." Etihad Airways is "bigger and stronger" than ever before, hitting this week the mark of 20 million passengers flown in a 12-month period for the first time in its history, he added. The airline chief is "happy" with the company's second-quarter financial results, which are yet to be announced, while prospects for the second half of the year "are good". This comes despite airspace closures around the Middle East because of the geopolitical conflict that have created operational challenges for airlines serving the region. "We've been able to manage the geopolitical situation that we had very well, so we're confident in terms of the results for this year," Mr Neves said. The airline's profit margins and customer service levels are improving, while its safety standards are at an "all-time high," he said. "We're going to keep up the growth that we have for the next five something that we can swallow and it gets easier as we grow," he said. "We've been over-delivering on the growth [targets] every single year." Etihad Airways, for example, had previously set a target of 18 million passengers by 2027, which it has reached at the end of 2024, he said. While the airline has announced a flurry of new routes, it is using about two-thirds of its additional capacity to increase the number of flights on existing routes, he said. Etihad Airways on Tuesday said it is introducing flights to Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Madinah, Tbilisi, Tashkent and Yerevan. The announcement came a day after low-cost carrier Wizz Air said it will exit its operations in Abu Dhabi, citing several operational challenges. Routes it was serving included Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Tashkent, Madinah and Yerevan.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Etihad Airways adds seven new destinations including in major expansion
Etihad Airways has unveiled seven new destinations as part of its strategy to increase point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi. The airline will launch services to Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia. The new routes will strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for tourism, culture, and commerce. Flight bookings will open over the next few days, with services beginning in March 2026. Medina will begin operations in November 2025. These destinations bring Etihad's total number of new routes for 2025 to 27, following earlier announcements of year-round routes and seasonal services. 'Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE's capital,' Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's Chief Executive Officer said. The expansion forms part of Etihad's ongoing network development strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a destination rather than merely a transit point for passengers.
Emirates 24/7
a day ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Etihad announces seven new destinations
Etihad Airways has announced seven additional new destinations to further expand its network as part of its ongoing strategy to bring more point-to-point traffic directly to Abu Dhabi. The new destinations - Almaty, Kazakhstan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Bucharest, Romania; Medina, Saudi Arabia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Yerevan, Armenia - will further strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a thriving hub for tourism, culture, and commerce. The flights are set to go on sale over the next few days, and services will begin in March 2026, with Medina to start operating in November 2025. These latest additions bring Etihad's total number of new destinations for 2025 to 27, following earlier announcements of year-round routes and seasonal services. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's Chief Executive Officer, said, 'Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE's capital." Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Etihad Airways announces 7 new routes, including Medina and Baku, launching November 2025
Etihad Airways unveils new global routes launching in November 2025/ Image: @etihad/X TL;DR: Etihad Airways is launching seven new destinations, including Medina and Baku, starting November 2025. These routes are part of a broader strategy to boost Abu Dhabi's status as a global travel hub. The expansion comes amid Wizz Air's exit from Abu Dhabi, opening opportunities for Etihad. Etihad Airways is expanding its network with seven new destinations: Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tbilisi, Tashkent, and Yerevan. This move aims to enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a global travel hub. The new routes will be available for booking soon, with services beginning in March 2026, except for Medina, which starts in November 2025. Strategic Expansion to Key Destinations: Medina, Saudi Arabia: A significant addition, Medina offers religious tourism opportunities, complementing Etihad's existing services to Mecca. Baku, Azerbaijan: Baku's growing tourism sector and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for travelers. Almaty, Kazakhstan: Almaty serves as a gateway to Central Asia, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Tashkent's rich history and emerging market potential are key factors in its selection. Yerevan, Armenia: Yerevan's unique cultural offerings and proximity to Europe enhance its appeal. Bucharest, Romania: Bucharest is a growing hub for business and tourism in Eastern Europe. Tbilisi, Georgia: Tbilisi's scenic landscapes and historical sites attract a diverse range of visitors. Strengthening Abu Dhabi's Global Position These new routes are part of Etihad's strategy to increase point-to-point traffic through Abu Dhabi. The expansion aims to bolster the city's role in tourism, culture, and commerce. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, in a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM) said, ' Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE's capital. ' Filling the Gap Left by Wizz Air's Departure Wizz Air plans to stop flying to and from Abu Dhabi by September 2025. The airline faced issues like political tensions and difficulties in running its services smoothly. With Wizz Air leaving, Etihad has a chance to expand its flights and offer more travel options to passengers who want dependable connections through Abu Dhabi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo FAQs 1. When will the new routes be available for booking? Bookings for the new destinations will open in the coming days, with services commencing in March 2026, except for Medina, which starts in November 2025. 2. How will these new routes impact travelers? Travelers will benefit from increased connectivity to culturally rich and emerging destinations, enhancing travel options and convenience. 3. What led to Wizz Air's exit from Abu Dhabi? Wizz Air cited geopolitical instability, supply chain issues, and limited market access as reasons for ceasing operations in Abu Dhabi.
