Etihad Ready For The Challenge

Etihad Airways has reported that 2016 was another year of sustained growth, helped by new aircraft, additional frequencies and the introduction of further world-class products.

In total, the airline carried 18.5 million guests during the year, up six percent on 2015.

As well, the carrier was also part of the evolution of Etihad Aviation Group, a wider aviation and tourism business which now also includes Etihad Airways Engineering, Airline Equity Partners, Etihad Airport Services and Hala Group. The formation of Etihad Aviation Group was announced in May 2016.

In 2016, Etihad Airways operated more than 109,000 scheduled passenger and cargo flights spanning around 446 million kilometres and 112 destinations.

Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), grew by nine percent and passenger traffic, measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by eight percent. The average load factor held steady at 79%.

James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Aviation Group (EAG), said:

“2016 saw sustained growth in a very tough business environment. This is where Etihad Airways’ superior products and services show their true value and where the strength of the EAG business model comes into effect through its diversity of businesses, cost-effective synergies and global spread of risk. Most importantly, in 2016 we were able to introduce our new Group structure, which positions this business for long-term growth and development.”

And Hogan added:

“2017 will be another challenging year. We will continue to expand prudently and efficiently, reflecting the nature of the economic environment. We remain optimistic and have every belief that our robust business model will succeed and, most importantly, stand the test of time.”

Go to http://www.etihad.com for more.