• Latest 787-10 on morning service to Rome
• Frankfurt double daily service to go all-Dreamliner on the 787-9
• Etihad Dreamliners feature industry-leading, award-winning cabins

The two-class 787-9 features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy Class cabins, configured with 299 seats – 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats. The 336-seat 787-10 features 32 Business Studios and 304 Economy Smart Seats.

Boeing 787-10 / 777-300ER schedule to Rome, effective June 1, 2019

Boeing 787-9 schedule to Frankfurt, effective July 1, 2019

Notes: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLO (msn 39660) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 945941.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

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• 15% improvement in core operating performance, on revenues of US$ 5.86 billion
• 4% increase in passenger yields, driven by capacity discipline, network and fleet optimisation, and growing market share in premium and point-to-point markets
• 3% reduction in unit costs, despite 31%higher fuel prices
• 17.8 million passengers and 682,100 leg tonnes of cargo carried

Since commencing its five-year transformation program in 2017, the airline has improved its core operating performance by 34% despite challenging market conditions and effects of an increase in fuel prices.

Etihad carried 17.8 million passengers in 2018 (2017: 18.6m), with a 76.4% seat factor (2017: 78.5%) and a decrease in passenger capacity (Available Seat Kilometres (ASK)) of 4% (from 115.0 billion to 110.3 billion).

The airline increased yields by 4%, largely driven by capacity discipline, network and fleet optimisation and growing market share in premium and point-to-point markets. Passenger revenues remained steady at US$ 5.0 billion.

Etihad Cargo recorded a strong performance for the year largely due to a lower cost base, a programme of efficiency improvements including the consolidation of the freighter fleet around the Boeing 777F, and a refreshed network focusing on core trade lanes leveraging Abu Dhabi’s geographical position to maximise freighter to belly-hold flows.

Cargo revenue for the year was US$ 827 million (2017: US$ 877m) with 682,100 leg tonnes carried (2017: 853,300 tonnes). Cargo Freight Tonne Kilometres (FTK) decreased by 21% (from 4.3 billion to 3.4 billion), with a 15.5% increase in yields.

The airline significantly reduced total costs by US$ 416 million to US$ 6.9 billion (2017: US$ 7.3bn). Direct operating costs were reduced by US$ 226 million (3.6%) despite ongoing fuel price volatility. Administration and general expenses declined by US$ 190 million (19%), mainly driven by lower indirect manpower and other administration costs.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “In 2018, we continued to forge ahead with our transformation journey by streamlining our cost base, improving our cash-flow and strengthening our balance sheet.

“Our transformation is instilling a renewed sense of confidence in our customers, our partners and our people. As a major enabler of commerce and tourism to and from Abu Dhabi, we are intrinsically linked to the continued success of the emirate.”

Operational Highlights

During 2018, Etihad Airways took delivery of eight new aircraft including three Boeing 787-9s, four Boeing 787-10s and one Boeing 777-200 freighter. The airline’s fleet count at year end was 106, with an average age of only 5.7 years.

Following negotiations with Airbus and Boeing, revisions to Etihad’s forward fleet commitments were announced on 14 February 2019. Under these agreements, the airline will take delivery of five Airbus A350-1000, 26 Airbus A321neo and six Boeing 777-9 aircraft in the coming years.

Etihad added Baku and Barcelona to its global network in 2018. Both routes are outperforming forecasts. Frequencies were increased to several destinations including Toronto, increasing weekly services from three to five, double-daily flights to Amman and Rome, and 11 weekly flights to Male, Maldives. Additionally, Etihad introduced its 787-9 on flights to Cairo, Casablanca, Jeddah, Rabat, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur and Rome. In October 2018, the airline introduced the Airbus A380 on a second daily flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle. New 787-10 aircraft were introduced on daily flights to Jeddah, Beijing, Nagoya and Seoul Incheon. A seasonal frequency increase using the 787-9 was introduced to London Heathrow, boosting daily services to four during the busy festive season.

Etihad recently announced the addition of the 787-10 on its Shanghai service and the 787-9 on flights to Chengdu, Hong Kong and Barcelona in 2019. Etihad will also add the Airbus A380 on its daily rotation to Seoul Incheon from 1 July, capitalising on this route’s strong business and leisure demand.

A number of unprofitable routes were discontinued in 2018 including Tehran, Jaipur, Entebbe, Dallas / Fort Worth, Ho Chi Minh City, Dhaka, Dar es Salaam, Edinburgh and Perth.

The airline continued to forge important partnerships with other airlines and transport companies last year, including Saudia, Azerbaijan Airlines, Swiss, and Accesrail, adding to a growing list of 55 codeshare partners. Etihad has expanded its reach to more than 400 destinations worldwide by placing its EY code on 18,513 weekly flights beyond its own network.

On-time performance was 82% for flight departures and 84% for arrivals in 2018, making Etihad among the most reliable and punctual airlines in the world. Across its network, the airline completed 99.7% of scheduled flights.

Customer Proposition

Etihad continues to position itself as an airline of choices, embedding its ‘Choose Well’ brand in every part of the customer experience. The airline now provides greater levels of personalisation, with a particular focus on its inflight retail offering, unbundling of services and fares, and installation of new seating products – including a new Economy Space zone on much of its widebody fleet.

In the second quarter of 2019, smarter ergonomic seating and streaming technology will be introduced on the short-haul Airbus A320 and A321 fleets. The airline continues to refine its award-winning Business and First Class services across its widebody fleet, and The Residence on its Airbus A380s.

“Etihad remains a strong global aviation brand and a true representative of Abu Dhabi around the world. We are committed to developing commercially beneficial partnerships at home and overseas, creating a multicultural workplace which is an exemplar of inclusion, gender equality and innovation. This is particularly important in the UAE’s Year of Tolerance,” continued Mr. Douglas.

People and Organisational Development

Etihad announced a new streamlined organisational structure in July 2018, providing greater focus on its customers and its transformation.

Etihad also continued its development of young UAE talent. By the end of 2018 it employed 2,525 Emiratis, representing 12% of the total 21,855-strong Etihad Aviation Group workforce.

Mr. Douglas added: “At only 15 years old, Etihad is maturing as an acclaimed international airline, seizing opportunities and heading into the future as a pioneering leader. We will continue to offer superior services to every traveller while growing our global footprint, embracing technology, boosting revenues, and driving efficiencies and commercial excellence across the entire organisation. The benefits of these actions will be enjoyed by our customers and our people.”

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLV (msn 39676) (Formula 1 – 2018 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 945301.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

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• Codeshare operations to begin with the summer schedule between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and onwards from both hubs
• Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on 12 Gulf Air routes across the Gulf region, North Africa, Europe and key destinations in Pakistan
• Gulf Air will place its ‘GF’ code on 10 Etihad routes including destinations in Africa, Australia, Indonesia and the USA

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two carriers at the Bahrain International Airshow in November last year and will further strengthen the strong ties between the two countries and carriers.

The agreement will see Etihad place its ‘EY’ code on Gulf Air flights from Bahrain to and from Abu Dhabi, Baghdad, Casablanca, Dhaka, Faisalabad, Larnaca, Malaga, Multan, Najaf, Peshawar, Sailkot and Tbilisi.

Gulf Air will place its ‘GF’ code on Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to and from Bahrain, Brisbane, Chicago O’Hare, Jakarta, Lagos, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York JFK, Sydney and Washington.

Guests who are travelling to the USA with Etihad will be able to enjoy the preclearance facility offered at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Terminal 3 in Abu Dhabi Airport is a purpose-built facility that allows US bound passengers to process all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before they depart. On arrival in the US, guests arrive as domestic passengers, speeding up the arrival process and making onward connections more seamless.

The announcement was made at a signing ceremony held at Etihad Airways Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, and Krešimir Kučko, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air.

In addition to the codeshare signing, both Etihad Guest and Gulf Air Falconflyer loyalty programs are exploring ways to offer earn and burn opportunities.

Gulf Air currently operates four return daily flights between Bahrain and Abu Dhabi while Etihad currently operates three return daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Below Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLN (msn 39659) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 938115.

Gulf Air aircraft slide show:

Below Copyright Photo: Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A9C-FB (msn 39997) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 945083.

Etihad Airways made this announcement:

The milestone flight is part of Etihad’s ongoing commitment to the environment, to go beyond Earth Day celebrations, and pledge to reduce single-use plastic usage by 80 per cent not just in-flight, but across the entire organisation by the end of 2022.

Etihad identified over 95 single-use plastic products are used across its aircraft cabins.  Once removed from the Earth Day flight, Etihad prevented over 50 kilograms of plastics from being landfilled.

Guests on board enjoyed replacement products including sustainable amenity kits, award-winning eco-thread blankets made out of recycled plastic bottles, tablet toothpaste and edible coffee cups while children were treated to eco-plush toys.

As a result of planning the Earth Day flight, Etihad additionally committed to remove up to 20 per cent of the single-use plastic items on board by June 1, 2019. By the end of this year, Etihad will have removed 100 tonnes of single-use plastics from its inflight service.

• Refreshed modern cabins across regional Airbus A320/A321 aircraft featuring new industry-leading Extra-spatial Design seats
• Smart-device powered high-speed wireless streaming ‘home entertainment’ experience on narrow-body fleet via new E-BOX STREAM app or browser
• Enhanced and improved complimentary dining concept and new ‘Sweet or Salty’ food and beverage retail menu on all flights

Etihad introduced the new developments at Arabian Travel Market, together with a new advertising campaign, ‘Go Your Own Way’, using Fleetwood Mac’s anthemic classic as its soundtrack. As part of the airline’s overall ‘Choose Well’ brand platform, the campaign will drive greater awareness of Etihad’s commitment to providing its guests with greater control, choice and value by personalising their travel experiences.

Relax Your Own Way – Complete Narrow-body Cabin Upgrade

Etihad is progressively upgrading the Economy cabins of its narrow-body fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. These are used mainly on short-haul regional services, and further afield to 38 Etihad gateways within five hours of flight from Abu Dhabi. The airline is installing modern and refreshed cabins featuring ergonomic Extra-spatial Design seats by UK based Acro, a world-leading innovator in aircraft seat manufacturing. The next-generation seats, which will maintain comfortable ‘living space’ in the seat area, and provide increased knee room, are cleverly designed around the guest’s digital devices with fast-charging USB points and an adjustable phone and tablet holder.

The first stage of enhancements to the Economy experience began in 2017 with new seating options such as Neighbour-Free Seats, Economy Space, and Preferred Seats introduced on the wide-body fleet.

Watch Your Own Way – Wireless Inflight Entertainment (Airbus A320 / A321)

Guests on narrow-body aircraft will be able to simply log on and connect via browser to wirelessly stream more than 300 hours of free inflight entertainment through Etihad’s onboard Panasonic eXW system directly to their own devices. To view a wider range of exciting entertainment programming, including more Hollywood blockbusters, international movies, and premium TV programming such as HBO and Universal shows, guests can simply download the new E-BOX STREAM app prior to travel.

Inflight entertainment via personal seat back screens will remain standard in the Economy cabins on the airline’s fleet of wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Dine Your Own Way – All new Economy Dining Experience

Etihad has launched a redesigned and enhanced complimentary dining concept on all its flights. On journeys of over three hours, the main course of the core complimentary dining service is now a larger, contemporary bistro-style meal which is higher in quality, with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients and more destination focused choices. A new curved triangular base plate design reflects the heritage of Abu Dhabi and is made using recycled materials. New cutlery is 85 per cent lighter, reducing aircraft weight and fuel burn. Each year, the airline will also remove 27 million plastic lids, and other containers, supporting its drive towards greater sustainability and to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 80 per cent by 2022.

As part of the new dining sequence, delicious dessert items will be served separately with the after-meal coffee and tea service, reducing clutter on the tray during the main meal. On shorter flights, dessert will be served with the main meal.

In addition, the significantly expanded ‘Sweet or Salty’ retail menu complements the core dining service with offerings including a Tapas box, hot dishes, and premium sweet and savoury snacks, all available for purchase. The selection also includes exciting options for children. The new retail service will be enhanced by partnerships with leading brands such as Bateel, Starbucks, Thorntons, Cawston Press, Heavenly, Perrier and Barebells.

Etihad is also refreshing soft products including new blankets, pillows and headrest covers to further enhance inflight comfort and ambience.

Video:

The additional flight, operated by an Airbus A320, will provide more convenient travel options between the two capital cities as passengers can now choose between a daytime and evening departure from both Abu Dhabi and Moscow. Together with the existing service, operated by an Airbus A321, travellers will also benefit from improved connectivity through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub to Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.

Timetable: Abu Dhabi – Moscow (effective October 27, 2019 – May 10, 2020)

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time. *Denotes new flight

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Etihad Airways Airbus A320-232 WL F-WWDC (A6-EJA) (msn 6527) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 946392.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Flagship Abu Dhabi – London route will be served up to five times daily

Between May 26 and June 22, 2019 four daily flights will be operated on the route, increasing to five from June 23 to September 28, 2019, returning to four daily flights from September 29 to October 26, 2019.

Etihad’s two-class version of the 787-9 Dreamliner features 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLY (msn 39679) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 946412.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

From Reuters: “Etihad Airways is interested in re-investing in embattled Indian carrier Jet Airways for a minority stake, subject to certain conditions, a spokesman for the Middle Eastern carrier said on Friday.”

“Etihad re-emphasises that it cannot be expected to be the sole investor, and that, amongst other requirements, additional suitable investors would need to provide the majority of Jet Airways’ required recapitalisation,” the spokesman said in a statement.

State Bank of India, Jet’s main lender, has invited binding bids for a stake in the airline that is saddled with roughly $1.2 billion in bank debt. All binding bids were to be submitted by 1800 IST (1230 GMT) on Friday.

“There was a submission with conditions,” the spokesman said.

Etihad Airways is looking back at its accomplishments in 2018:

In other news, Etihad Airways will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its daily scheduled service from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong, effective March 31, 2019. The two-class aircraft will replace the Airbus A330-200 aircraft currently operating the route.

The new 787-9 Dreamliner service to Hong Kong will feature the airline’s next-generation Business and Economy cabins, configured with 299 seats – 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats –  a capacity increase of six seats in Business and 31 in Economy in each direction, and an increase in belly-hold cargo capacity of four tonnes.

Timetable

Boeing 787 schedule to Hong Kong effective March 31, 2019

Notes: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLN (msn 39659) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 938290.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has launched an innovative trial of autonomous wheelchairs at Abu Dhabi International Airport, in advance of its move to the new Midfield Terminal. The trial is a partnership between Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Airports in collaboration with personal electric vehicle supplier WHILL and information technology company SITA.

The WHILL ‘Autonomous Drive System’ wheelchairs enable guests with restricted mobility to move around the airport environment on their own, without the need for assistance from a member of staff. The introduction of the autonomous option provides guests with the choice of freedom or to have traditional assistance via a team of dedicated porters, which will remain available.

The trial, which will last until the end of the year, will involve intensive testing and mapping of the airport environment to facilitate autonomous movement. This wheelchair is a first for any airline and airport in the region and features sensors to detect obstructions, providing an automatic ‘stop’ function. Future features in the pipeline include real-time gate and boarding time updates for guests.

The final stage of the trial will involve guests of the airline, with restricted mobility, self-driving the wheelchairs through Abu Dhabi International Airport, navigating through the duty-free shops and lounges to their departure gate, without the need of assistance from a member of staff. On arrival at the gate, and once the guest has boarded the flight, the wheelchairs will have the capability to return themselves to the collection point without staff involvement.

In addition to this trial, the airline is exploring other technologies that can ease the stress of travelling for guests with other impairments such as blindness and deafness.

Flight EY 535 will depart Abu Dhabi at 9:50am daily, arriving in Beirut at 12:30pm, with the return flight EY 538 leaving Beirut at 2:00pm and arriving back in Abu Dhabi at 7:35pm.  Etihad will operate the upgraded flights with two-class Boeing 787-9s, the newest aircraft type in the airline’s fleet. These jets are configured to seat 299 passengers in a mix of 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats, and feature product including the acclaimed E-Box entertainment system. The 787s will also provide a significant increase in cargo capacity.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner A6-BLG (msn 39652) (Special Olympics Abu Dhabi World Games 2019) BRU (Karl Cornil). Image: 947832.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Etihad Engineering, the industry-leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) division of Etihad Aviation Group, has collaborated with EOS and BigRep, both leading 3D printing technology providers, to open the region’s first additive manufacturing facility with Design and Production Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Top Photo: The official opening of Etihad Engineering’s 3D printing lab was attended by H.E. Ernst Peter Fischer, German Ambassador to the UAE and representatives from Etihad Engineering, EOS and Big Rep. (L to R) Bernhard Randerath, VP Design, Engineering & Innovation, Etihad Engineering, Abdul Khaliq Saeed, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Engineering, Markus Glasser, Senior VP EOS, H.E. Ernst Peter Fischer, German Ambassador to the UAE, Marie Langer, Chief Executive Officer, EOS, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, Martin Black, Chief Executive Officer, BigRep.

The laboratory, located at the Etihad Engineering facility adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport, features two approved industrial 3D printers. The laboratory’s primary machine is the powder-bed fusion technology system EOS P 396, for demanding high performance and high-quality aircraft applications. In contrast to traditional manufacturing processes, it enables faster production and reduced weight of cabin parts.

Above Photo: The Etihad Engineering 3D printing lab is the Middle East’s first additive manufacturing facility with Design and Production Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

As an MRO solutions provider committed to continuously enhancing the service value it offers to the market and its customers, this month, Etihad Engineering, together with its partner EOS, received one of the first Airline MRO approvals from EASA for 3D printing using powder-bed fusion technology which will be used to design, produce and certify additively manufactured parts for the aircraft cabin of the future.

Above Copyright Photo: Etihad Engineering engineers at work using the pioneering EOS Additive Manufacturing 3D Printer which is now located at Etihad Engineering’s facility located in Abu Dhabi.

The newest system installed by EOS produces serial parts from polymer materials such as PA 2241 FR, and enables the manufacture of cabin parts for an aircraft’s heavy maintenance C-Check. Cabin defects can also be rectified within a short turnaround time which allows for the production of the required cabin parts during line maintenance.

The EOS machine operates with a total build volume of 340 x 340 x 600mm. The modular and highly productive system enables tool-free manufacture of serial components, spare parts, functional prototypes and models directly from CAD data.

The second machine is the BigRep ONE, one of the largest, serial-built industrial thermoplastic extrusion 3D printers. Bringing additive manufacturing to MRO, the ONE is designed for manufacturing large parts, jigs and fixtures as well as moulds – on site and on demand.

The facility was officially opened in a ceremony attended by His Excellency Ernst Peter Fischer, German Ambassador to the UAE in recognition of the relationship between the German companies EOS and BigRep and the UAE’s Etihad Engineering.

Etihad Engineering first received EASA approval to 3D print with filament technology in 2017 and was the first airline MRO in the world to certify, print and fly 3D printed cabin parts. The latest approval, received in October 2019 covers powder bed fusion 3D printing technology.

Etihad Engineering is recognised as a global leader in aircraft maintenance with a customer base spanning leading airlines and OEMs from South America to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

All photos by Etihad Engineering.

Boeing and Etihad Airways have announced that one of the airline’s 787 Dreamliner airplanes will serve as a flying laboratory for testing procedures and initiatives that could further reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as a part of a growing partnership to advance the sustainable growth of aviation.

The specially-themed 787 will enter service early next year and operate regular flights in Etihad Airways’ network, while periodically serving as a test bed for assessing environmental sustainability initiatives. The project builds on Etihad’s ample experience with the super-efficient airplane.

Beyond the environmental testing on the airplane, the two companies will build on the technical capabilities that Etihad Airways has developed while maintaining its own Dreamliner fleet and that of other operators. As part of the strategic partnership, the companies are discussing several areas where they can work together to improve operational efficiency.

Boeing and Etihad Airways also announced that Boeing will provide multiple services for the airline’s Dreamliner fleet, including the Component Services Program, Landing Gear Exchange, and High-Value Components Exchange, programs that help an airline simplify asset and maintenance management, reduce spare parts costs while improving parts availability. The agreements also include a customized material parts package and three Quick Engine Change (QEC) kits that enable Etihad to quickly return an airplane to service if an engine needs to be repaired or replaced.

Etihad Airways made this announcement on social media:

Say hello to our brand new 787 Greenliner!

In partnership with Boeing, this one-of-a-kind aircraft will be used to test technology, products, and initiatives designed to help reduce carbon emissions and build a future of sustainable air travel.

The Greenliner takes to the skies in early 2020.

Image: Etihad Airways.

• Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on 3 Kuwait Airways routes to Kuwait, Iraq and Bangladesh
• Kuwait Airways will place its ‘KU’ code on Etihad routes from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi and onwards to 9 destinations in Europe, Africa, Seychelles, and Maldives

Subject to regulatory approvals, Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on Kuwait Airways operated flights from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, Najaf and Dhaka.

In turn, Kuwait Airways will place its ‘KU’ code on Etihad flights from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi, Belgrade, Casablanca, Rabat, Khartoum, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Male in the Maldives, and Mahe in the Seychelles.

Etihad Airways currently operates five return daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, and Kuwait Airways serves Abu Dhabi with a daily service.

In other news, Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch new seasonal flights to Malaga in Spain, to meet strong customer demand from across the UAE and GCC for flights to the popular gateway to the province of Andalucía. 

• Three weekly seasonal flights to meet summer demand
• Operated by three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring 8 private First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 190 Economy Smart Seats
• Third Etihad gateway in Spain

Three weekly flights will operate via the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from June 26 to September 13, 2020.

Abu Dhabi – Malagaschedule effective June 26 – September 13, 2019 (all timings are local):

• A new fifth weekly service introduced on both routes on Fridays
• Service extended by three weeks operating between 25 June and 15 September 2020

With the addition of these seasonal destinations, the airline will operate a total of 33 flights per week to Egypt, 28 flights to Cairo and five to Alexandria. The airline will operate a total of 26 flights per week to Oman with 21 weekly flights to Muscat and five to Salalah.

The historical city of Alexandria, the second-largest in Egypt, is known for its rich history and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Salalah, known for its natural beauty and culture, is popular during summer months for its unique Khareef, or green season.

Timetable: Abu Dhabi – Alexandria, effective 25 June 2020 – 15 September 2020

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Timetable: Abu Dhabi – Salalah, effective 25 June 2020 – 15 September 2020

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has committed to a minimum target of zero net carbon emissions by 2050 and halving of its 2019 net emission levels by 2035.

The company’s ambitious environmental targets will be achieved through a mix of internal initiatives, collaboration with industry partners and adoption of a comprehensive program of relevant carbon offsets, to be developed with specific focus on the requirements of the UAE and markets served by the airline.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas, said: “The global focus on the environment and the urgency of reducing carbon emissions has never been greater. Etihad Aviation Group, together with its partners, is taking an active role in reducing the impact of aviation on the environment through initiatives ranging from optimised fuel management to sustainable financing practices.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that the number of passenger journeys will more than double within 20 years, from 4.5 billion in 2019 to an estimated 9 billion by the late 2030s.

The International Transport Forum (ITF) at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) adds that international aviation will experience compound annual growth of 3.8 per cent to 2050, forecasting that traffic will reach 16.5 billion passenger kilometres, or 3.6 times 2015 volumes.

Recent sustainability initiatives taken by Etihad Aviation Group include:

• Continued induction of the latest-generation, most fuel-efficient aircraft, including additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and plans for three new types – the wide-bodied Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9, and narrow-bodied Airbus A321neo. The next Dreamliner is due to arrive next week;
• Commencement of the Etihad Greenliner Programme, in which the airline’s entire fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft will be used during normal scheduled flights as ‘test beds’ for sustainable products and practices;
• Becoming the first airline to secure commercial funding conditional upon compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Global Markets, Etihad recently secured 150 million Euros to help finance the development of a multi-storey ‘eco residence’ for cabin crew living in Abu Dhabi. The airline is now exploring more opportunities for this style of funding;
• Commitment to reduce single use plastics by 80 per cent by 2022, and;
• Partnering in the development of sustainable aviation fuels including biofuel developed and refined in Abu Dhabi from saltwater-tolerant plants, and commitment to support the development of another sustainable jet fuel from municipal waste in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways is selling its fleet of 16 Airbus A330-200s and six A330-300s. It is also selling its 16 Boeing 777-300 ERs but will leased them back.

KKR issued this statement:

KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Altavair AirFinance, a leader in commercial aviation finance, have announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a portfolio of commercial aircraft from Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. The acquisition will be made through aircraft leasing investment platform Altitude Aircraft Leasing, which was established by KKR’s credit and infrastructure funds in 2018 to acquire aircraft serviced by Altavair.

Above Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Airbus A330-243 A6-EYI (msn 730) CGK (Michael B. Ing). Image: 938430.

The aircraft portfolio being acquired includes Etihad Airways’ owned fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs and Trent powered Airbus A330-300s and A330-200s. The transaction provides for the Boeing 777-300ERs to be leased back to Etihad upon purchase in early 2020, while the Airbus A330s will be delivered over the next 22 months and placed on lease with other international operators for either passenger operations or as converted freighters.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad Airways has announced an encouraging 32% improvement in core operating performance for 2019, on revenues of USb$5.6 billion (2018: US $5.9 billion). Losses were significantly reduced to US $0.87 billion (2018: US$ -1.28 billion). This result is better than Etihad’s internal plan for 2019.The airline’s transformation programme has seen cumulative core operating performance improved by 55% since 2017.

2019 Results

Passenger routes were rationalized at the end of 2018 to optimise the network and improve revenue quality. However, passenger demand to and from Etihad’s ten gateways in India remained strong, despite the removal of capacity and feeder services previously provided through Jet Airways, and the airline added seats in these markets early in 2019.

Etihad carried 17.5 million passengers in 2019 (2018: 17.8m), with a 78.7% seat load factor (2018: 76.4%) and a decrease in passenger capacity (Available Seat Kilometres (ASK)) of 6% (from 110.3 billion to 104.0 billion). Yields increased by 1%, largely driven by capacity discipline, network and fleet optimisation and growing market share in premium and point-to-point markets. Due to the capacity reduction, passenger revenues slightly decreased to US$ 4.8 billion (2018: US$ 5 billion), but route profitability improved.

Etihad Cargo remained committed to its transformation strategy in 2019, despite challenging market headwinds. Total cargo handled stood at 635,000 tonnes (2018: 682,100 tonnes), with total revenues of US$ 0.70 billion (2018: US$ 0.83 billion). This decline is mostly attributable to the full-year effect of belly-hold and freighter capacity rationalisation undertaken in the fourth quarter of 2018, combined with adverse market conditions that resulted in yields dropping by 7.8%. Despite strong cost control, cargo profit contribution was lower year-on-year. Underlying transformation results were visible in the fourth quarter, having recorded a 5.6% increase in FTKs over the same period in 2018, with 1.7 percentage points higher load factors.

Total operating costs were significantly reduced, driven by a continuous focus on cost control and favourable fuel price trend. Financing costs remained flat despite the delivery of new aircraft to the fleet.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Operating costs were reduced significantly last year and both yields and load factors were increased despite passenger revenues being down due to network optimisation. An improvement to the cost base significantly offset the cost pressures faced by the business, giving us headroom to invest in the guest experience, technology and innovation, and our major sustainability initiatives.

“There’s still some way to go but progress made in 2019, and cumulatively since 2017, has instilled in us a renewed vigour and determination to push ahead and implement the changes needed to continue this positive trajectory.”

On-time performance was the best in the region at 82% for flight departures and 85% for arrivals in 2019, completing 99.6% of scheduled flights across its network.

Operational Highlights

In 2019, Etihad continued its fleet renewal program and took delivery of additional fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft, including eight Boeing 787-9s and three Boeing 787-10s, while retiring its Airbus A330s from the mainline fleet. The airline’s fleet count at year-end was 101 (95 passenger aircraft and six cargo freighters), with an average age of only 5.3 years.

In December, Etihad signed an agreement with Seattle-based aviation finance company Altavair, and investment firm KKR, for the sale of the retired Airbus A330 fleet, and the sale and lease-back of the airline’s in-service Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Etihad’s global route network stood at 76 destinations at the end of 2019. Frequencies were increased on key routes such as London Heathrow, Riyadh, Delhi, Mumbai, and Moscow Domodedovo. The Airbus A380 was introduced on Seoul flights and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was introduced to Hong Kong, Dublin, Lagos, Chengdu, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Milan, Rome, Riyadh, Manchester, Shanghai, Beijing and Nagoya.

Growth through partnerships

In October 2019, Etihad and Air Arabia announced a new joint venture named Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, which will cater to the rapidly-growing demand for low-cost travel options in the region. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will begin operations in the second quarter of 2020, and will operate independently, complementing Etihad’s network of routes from the Abu Dhabi hub.

Etihad continued to expand its global reach through 56 codeshare partnerships, creating a wider choice for air travellers on a combined network of approximately 17,700 codeshare flights to almost 400 destinations worldwide. In 2019, Etihad signed new and expanded partnerships with Saudia, Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian, Swiss, Kuwait Airways, and PIA.

A leader in the drive for Sustainable Aviation

Etihad remains a leader in efforts to pioneer new and effective ways of mitigating aviation’s environmental impact, together with its global aviation partners, and with those closer to home in Abu Dhabi as part of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium.

The airline operated a Boeing 787-9 biofuel flight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam in January 2019, representing the maiden flight of an aircraft partly powered by fuel derived from the seeds of the Salicornia plant. This was followed in April by a single-use plastic-free flight between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane. Etihad used the event to make a commitment to reduce single-use plastics company-wide by 80 per cent by 2022.

In November, Etihad and Boeing launched a first-of-its-kind ‘eco partnership’ known as the Greenliner programme. The initiative kicked off with the arrival of a specially-themed flagship Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner which will be used, along with other aircraft in the 787 fleet, and together with industry partners, to test products, procedures and initiatives designed to reduce carbon emissions.

In December, Etihad became the first airline globally to secure funding for a project based on its compatibility with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Through a partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Global Market, the airline is borrowing 100 million Euros (AED 404.2 million) to expand the Etihad Eco-Residence, a sustainable apartment complex for its cabin crew.

People and Organisational Development

At the end of 2019, Etihad Aviation Group multicultural workforce numbered 20,369 employees, originating from over 150 countries, working in a culture of tolerance and inclusion.

As with previous years, Etihad continued its development of young UAE talent. By the end of 2019 it employed 2,491 Emiratis, representing 12.23% of the total Etihad Aviation Group workforce. Emirati women make up 50.14% of the total Emirati EAG workforce, employed in all areas of the business including as pilots, engineers, technicians, management roles. Today, 6,770 of the total number of employees at Etihad Aviation Group are women.

“The major improvement in 2019 clearly demonstrates that we’re on the right track. As part of our transformation programme, we’ve made some tough decisions to ensure we continue to grow as a sustainable global aviation enterprise and brand, and a worthy representative of the great emirate of Abu Dhabi, to which Etihad is intrinsically linked,” concluded Mr. Douglas.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad Airways has made this announcement:

Etihad Airways has temporarily suspended transit travel through Abu Dhabi International Airport as of 22:00 (UAE local time) on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Any passengers booked on connecting flights via Abu Dhabi to anywhere else on the Etihad network will not be permitted to travel. Etihad is attempting to contact these guests to advise them of the development.

As previously advised, only UAE citizens, their immediate family members, diplomatic passport holders, and those with UAE-API clearance will be allowed entry into Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways will temporarily suspend all flights from 23:59 (UAE local time) on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 for an initial period of 14 days, following a decision by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This decision has been made to limit the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus and to protect citizens, residents, and international travelers.

Etihad Airways regrets any inconvenience caused and continues to follow UAE and international government and regulatory authority directives and is applying a contingency plan to assist affected customers.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery: