Latest news with #fleetexpansion
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad Airways accelerates growth with record aircraft deliveries
Five aircraft delivered throughout July including two B787s, an A350, an A321LR and an A320ceo Fleet expansion supports ambitious network growth and passenger targets Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways achieved a significant milestone in its fleet expansion programme with July 2025 becoming the busiest month for aircraft deliveries in the airline's 22-year history. Throughout July, Etihad took delivery of five aircraft including its inaugural A321LR, two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one Airbus A350-1000, and one Airbus A320ceo. This record-breaking month demonstrates the airline's commitment to rapid growth as it works towards its target to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030. The five aircraft will significantly enhance Etihad's capacity across its expanding global network. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "July has been a remarkable month for Etihad Airways. Taking delivery of five aircraft is our most intensive delivery programme to date and showcases our ambitious growth trajectory. These aircraft will enable us to serve more destinations, offer increased frequencies, and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests expect across our network." The delivery programme reflects Etihad's strategic approach to fleet modernisation, with each aircraft type serving specific network requirements. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will support long-haul operations to destinations across Asia, Australia, and North America, while the Airbus A350-1000 will enhance capacity on high-demand routes. A particular highlight of July's deliveries was Etihad's first Airbus A321LR, which represents a significant milestone as the airline's inaugural aircraft of this type. Etihad defines luxury again with a revolutionary cabin configuration to Etihad's narrowbody operations, featuring dedicated First Suites alongside lie-flat Business seats, a first for narrowbody aircraft in the region, and enhanced Economy seating with seatback entertainment - bringing premium in-flight experiences to medium and short-haul routes. The deliveries bring Etihad's total fleet to 106 aircraft. The airline operates one of the world's youngest fleets, with an average aircraft age of 8.7 years, supporting operational efficiency and enhanced passenger experience. The aircraft deliveries support Etihad's recently announced network expansion, which includes 27 new destinations and increased frequencies across existing routes. The airline has experienced remarkable growth, carrying more than 20 million passengers in the last 12 months for the first time in its history, doubling passenger numbers from 2022 levels. Etihad's fleet expansion programme continues beyond July, with 20 additional aircraft per annum expected for delivery throughout 2025 and 2026. By expanding its fleet and network, Etihad Airways is strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global aviation hub and offering unparalleled travel experiences to millions of passengers worldwide. For more information, please visit About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit For further details: Duty Media Officer Etihad Airways Email: dutymediaofficer@
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad's new A321LR to redefine narrowbody luxury
Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR (long range) following a ceremony on Thursday at the Airbus Finkenwerder site, marking a transformational milestone in the airline's fleet expansion strategy. The aircraft brings Etihad's signature widebody experience to short and medium-haul routes, with premium cabins typically found only on long-haul flights. This is the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join Etihad's fleet, the airline said. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Today marks an extraordinary moment for Etihad as we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane. The A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience our guests expect across all cabins, perfectly embodying our commitment to delivering luxury at every altitude." Redefining Narrowbody Travel The A321LR features a three-cabin configuration, including Etihad's first-ever narrowbody First Suites - private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches normally reserved for long-haul widebody operations. Each window-facing First Suite features a large 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and additional space for a companion to sit. The aircraft's 14-seat Business cabin features widebody-style seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and window views. Each Business seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing and wireless charging. In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer generous space and comfort, providing an elevated experience for single-aisle travel. Passengers enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. These seatback screens bring premium content back to narrowbody travel with over a thousand hours of movies, shows and games. In addition, the cabin features enlarged overhead bins providing significantly more luggage space than traditional narrowbody aircraft. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, commented: 'The delivery of Etihad's first Airbus A321LR is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.' Staying Connected Above the Clouds A standout feature of Etihad's A321LR is its high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Viasat's advanced technology delivering speeds of up to 100's of Mbps. Passengers can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming and browsing throughout their journey, bringing ground-level connectivity to the skies. This gate-to-gate connectivity, where permitted, ensures guests remain productive and entertained whether flying for business or leisure. Wi-Fi service on Asian routes is being progressively rolled out and will be available from September 2025. Expanding Horizons The A321LR supports Etihad's extraordinary expansion momentum, with the airline having launched or announced 27 new routes in a single year as part of its ambitious growth strategy. The aircraft will enter commercial service on 1 August 2025, initially operating between Abu Dhabi and Phuket before serving destinations including Algiers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Krakow, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis and Zurich. The A321LR delivery supports Etihad's Journey 2030 vision, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global aviation hub. Additional nine A321LR aircraft will be delivered throughout 2025, supporting Etihad's ambitious growth plans as the airline works towards carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030, the airline added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nakilat and KEXIM launch first financing package for 25 Korean-built conventional LNG vessels
Doha, Qatar – Nakilat has launched the first financing package with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for 25 conventional Korean-built LNG vessels that will be fully owned and operated by Nakilat. This initial financing launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Company and KEXIM and marks a significant milestone in the Company's strategic growth and international collaboration. The partnership represents a pivotal step in Nakilat's long-term strategy to expand its fleet with cutting-edge LNG carriers, and to support QatarEnergy's historic LNG shipbuilding program and its LNG expansion project. The agreement underscores the strong economic ties between Qatar and the Republic of Korea, while enabling Nakilat to secure financing for the construction of new vessels at leading Korean shipyards. Eng. Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, the Chief Executive Officer of Nakilat, stated: 'Through this partnership, Nakilat has secured vital financial resources for the fleet expansion, which reflects the strong belief in our financial stability and strategic operational capabilities. This collaboration highlights Nakilat's strong commitment to leveraging international partnerships to advance its global market position and support Qatar's position as a global leader in the LNG industry.' KEXIM's participation, as a Korean government-backed financial institution, represents a strong endorsement of Nakilat's project. It provides a layer of financial assurance, contributing to secure necassary funding for Nakilat's Ship building requirements despite global market volatility and geopolitical risks. Renowned for its rigorous standards, KEXIM undertakes thorough financial, technical, and legal due diligence before committing to any project. Its involvement serves as a catalyst, encouraging broader participation from other financial institutions in future debt tranches. This collaboration also builds on a strong precedent, as KEXIM was the initial financier for Nakilat's first round of fleet financing in 2006, which included 25 LNG carriers. This renewed partnership reflects a continued legacy of trust and cooperation. With the vessels being constructed in Korea, securing the initial financing package from KEXIM positions the project as a full-cycle, government-backed export finance initiative, reinforcing its credibility and attractiveness to investors. This not only strengthens Nakilat's financial foundation but also aligns with its vision to be a global leader in LNG transportation ABOUT NAKILAT Nakilat is a Qatari Public Shareholding Company which is originally listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange in 2005. As a shipping and maritime company, Nakilat provides an essential transportation link in the State of Qatar's LNG supply chain. Its LNG shipping fleet is one of the largest in the world, comprising of 69 LNG vessels. Nakilat also owns and manages one FSRU and two large LPG carriers. Nakilat operates the ship repair, industrial and offshore fabrication facilities at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan Industrial City via strategic joint ventures: Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and QFAB. Nakilat also offers a full range of marine support services to vessels operating in Qatari waters. For more information, visit: For media inquiries, please contact: Mr. Shammi Mohan, Head of Public Relations smohan@
Gulf Business
23-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Etihad soars higher: Targets 21.5 million passengers, adds 18 new aircraft in 2025
Image credit: WAM/Website Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, has unveiled ambitious plans for the airline's growth in 2025, targeting approximately 21.5 million passengers by the end of the year, more than double the number recorded in 2022. Read- Speaking with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Fleet expansion and financial growth drive ambitious targets Neves highlighted the airline's impressive financial trajectory in recent years. Etihad Airways reached financial break-even in 2022, achieved a profit margin of 3 percent in 2023, and increased this to approximately 6 percent last year. This year, the company expects profit margins to rise further to between 7 and 8 percent. 'Our strategy is focused on gradually expanding margins each year,' Neves said. 'We are funding our growth through internal cash flows, which contributes to sustainable financial performance.' The planned fleet expansion plays a critical role in this strategy. Neves also addressed operational challenges, noting that the airline anticipated delays in aircraft delivery from manufacturers. To maintain growth momentum, Etihad accelerated the induction of leased aircraft and reintroduced seven A380 aircraft into service. The airline is gearing up for an even larger expansion in the coming years. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Etihad's hub, is well-equipped to support this growth. Neves revealed plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve between 38 and 39 million passengers by 2030—effectively doubling the company's size over the next five years. Strengthening global network and market presence Etihad's growth strategy extends beyond fleet expansion to enhancing its global network. The airline currently flies to nearly 100 destinations worldwide. However, Neves emphasized that growth isn't only about adding new routes, but also increasing flight frequencies on existing routes to meet rising demand. For instance, flights to Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak periods. Around two-thirds of the additional capacity is allocated to existing destinations, with only one-third targeting new markets. New routes are also expanding. Atlanta began with five weekly flights and now operates daily service, while New York has increased from one daily flight 18 months ago to two today. Western destinations are now all served with daily flights, reflecting Etihad's commitment to deepening its market position. Looking ahead to 2030, the airline will focus on markets within a four-hour flight radius from Abu Dhabi, including India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Etihad operates four daily flights to key destinations such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and Muscat. The airline aims to offer at least two daily flights to all its destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the eastern United States. Neves also revealed a significant milestone: Etihad will soon take delivery of its first A321 Long Range aircraft, arriving this week in Hamburg. This narrow-body aircraft will be the first in the fleet to feature a first-class cabin with fully flat luxury seats, a 'world's best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft,' according to Neves. This move marks a redefinition of regional travel standards for the airline. Abu Dhabi's growth fuels airline expansion Neves praised Abu Dhabi's rapid development as a major driver behind Etihad's growth. The capital city's population is increasing at an annual rate of 7 per cent, five to six times the global average, which is boosting demand for travel and services. International events, exhibitions, conferences, and the expanding tourism and cultural sectors in Abu Dhabi are further stimulating travel to and from the capital. 'We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years,' Neves said. 'This positions us as a major contributor to the city's development, while also benefiting significantly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism.' He concluded by underscoring Etihad's vision for the future. The airline is now more agile and better positioned to respond to shifting market dynamics as it pursues its goal of becoming the preferred airline for travelers worldwide by offering exceptional service, flexibility, and smart expansion.
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad Airways targets 21.5mln passengers, 18 new aircraft in 2025
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, unveiled the airline's ambitious plans for 2025, aiming to carry approximately 21.5 million passengers by the end of the year, more than double the number recorded in 2022. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Neves said the growth is underpinned by a major fleet expansion, with 18 new aircraft expected to be delivered before the year ends. Two aircraft have already joined the fleet, with 16 more scheduled for delivery in the coming months. Having transported more than 10 million passengers during the first half of the year, the airline is on track to close 2025 with a fleet of between 115 and 120 aircraft. Neves reviewed the airline's upward performance trajectory, noting that Etihad Airways reached financial break-even in 2022, achieved a profit margin of 3 percent in 2023, and increased that to around 6 percent last year. This year, profit margins are expected to range between 7 and 8 percent. He said the company is following a strategy of 'gradually expanding margins each year' and is funding its growth through internal cash flows, contributing to sustainable financial performance. On its global network, which is approaching 100 destinations, the CEO explained that the airline's growth strategy is not limited to adding new routes, but also includes increasing frequencies on existing routes. Flights to destinations such as Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak periods. He noted that around two-thirds of the increased capacity is allocated to existing destinations, with only one-third targeting new routes, highlighting the airline's focus on strengthening its market position in established regions. Atlanta, for instance, launched with five weekly flights and now operates daily. New York, which had one daily flight 18 months ago, now operates two, and all western destinations are now served with daily flights. Neves confirmed that Etihad Airways' strategy through to 2030 focuses on strengthening its presence, particularly in markets within a four-hour flight radius, including India, Pakistan and the Middle East. The airline currently operates four daily flights to key destinations such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai and Muscat, offering competitive flexibility in schedules that caters to diverse traveller segments. He added that the airline aims to offer at least two daily flights to all its destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe and the eastern United States. In a step to redefine regional travel, Neves revealed that Etihad will take delivery of its first A321 Long Range aircraft this week in Hamburg. This will be the first narrow-body aircraft in the fleet to feature a first-class cabin with fully flat luxury seats, which he described as 'the world's best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft.' He affirmed that Zayed International Airport has the capacity to support this growth, with plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve between 38 and 39 million passengers by 2030, effectively doubling the company's size over the next five years. Neves praised the rapid development in Abu Dhabi, calling it an exceptional place to live and work. He noted that the capital's population is growing at an annual rate of 7 percent – five to six times the global average – which is driving demand for travel and services. International events hosted by Abu Dhabi, including exhibitions and conferences, along with its expanding tourism and cultural sectors, are also contributing to increased travel demand to and from the capital. He said, 'We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years. This positions us as a major contributor to development, while also benefitting significantly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism.' In response to a question on aircraft delivery challenges, Neves explained that Etihad had anticipated delays from manufacturers and structured its operational plans accordingly by accelerating the induction of leased aircraft and reintroducing seven A380 aircraft into service. He concluded by stating that the airline is now more agile and better positioned to respond to market dynamics, as it continues advancing towards its vision of becoming the preferred airline for travellers by offering exceptional service, flexibility and smart expansion.
