The UAE's Etihad Airways announced that the number of passengers on its flights exceeded 20 million in a single year, for the first time since the airline was founded, an indicator of growing travel across its network.
Antonoaldo Neves, the airline's CEO, explained that this growth comes as part of an expansion strategy that included doubling passenger numbers from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years, along with recording profits of AED 685 million in the first quarter of 2025 and achieving high customer satisfaction rates. He added that Etihad Airways is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region, noting that 2025 so far looks set to be one of the standout years in the airline's history, according to a press release published on the Etihad Airways website.
To celebrate this success, the airline surprised a couple traveling from New Delhi to Toronto with successive upgrades on the various legs of their journey. After experiencing Business Class on board an A350 to Abu Dhabi, they were welcomed at Zayed International Airport by Mark Potter, General Manager of the Etihad Guest program, where they received an upgrade to Gold tier. On the final leg of the journey, they were upgraded to The Residence on board an A380, one of the most luxurious travel classes in the industry, featuring three separate rooms.
Etihad Airways also announced that three new aircraft had joined its operating fleet, taking the number of aircraft in service above 100 for the first time. They include a new Boeing 787-9 delivered from the United States by an all-Emirati flight crew, the return of the seventh Airbus A380, and the receipt of the first of three A350-1000 aircraft, delivered on July 18.
The airline plans to receive 18 additional aircraft during 2025, including A321LR aircraft scheduled to enter service from August 1, which will feature modern cabins including First Class and Business Class seats with flat beds, as well as an upgraded entertainment system and high-speed internet.
Earlier in the year, Etihad Airways announced an order for 28 widebody aircraft from Boeing, as part of a plan to expand its network and enhance operational efficiency and the travel experience.
As part of its expansion, the airline has added 17 new destinations to its network this year, including 7 recently announced destinations, and aims to reach about 90 global destinations by the end of 2025, leveraging Abu Dhabi's strategic location as a hub connecting Europe and Asia.
These expansions are part of Etihad Airways' goals to reach 125 destinations, grow its fleet to more than 170 aircraft and carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030. According to the statement, the airline is expected to exceed the targets set in its seven-year strategy, amid growing demand and rising customer satisfaction rates.
To view the post on the Etihad Airways website, click here.
