Latest news with #AntonoaldoNeves
Gulf Business
14 hours ago
- 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
15 hours ago
- 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.
Emirates 24/7
15 hours ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Etihad Airways targets 21.5 million 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.
Al Etihad
16 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways targets 21.5 million passengers, 18 new aircraft in 2025
23 July 2025 15:22 ABU DHABI (WAM) Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, 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 told WAM that the growth is underpinned by a major fleet expansion, with 18 new aircraft expected to be delivered before the year 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 benefiting 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 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.
UAE Moments
20 hours ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Etihad CEO Says No Favoritism in Abu Dhabi as Wizz Air Exits
The CEO of UAE's national airline has made it clear: Etihad Airways does not get any special treatment in Abu Dhabi. Speaking after claims from Wizz Air's boss about 'favouritism,' Etihad's Antonoaldo Neves said the competitive landscape at the capital's airport is fair and open to all. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! 'I can tell you that Etihad today has no subsidies. We pay fuel in Abu Dhabi at market price. Etihad is not actually favoured whatsoever,' Neves told Gulf News. His remarks come after Wizz Air CEO Jozef Varadi suggested that his airline pulled out of its Abu Dhabi hub because the government favoured Etihad, despite their joint venture. Wizz Air recently suspended all Abu Dhabi flights, citing unfair restrictions, including being blocked from flying to India and Pakistan despite having permissions from those countries. Fierce Competition at Abu Dhabi Airport While avoiding direct criticism of Wizz Air's claims, Neves highlighted how competitive Abu Dhabi really is. 'I've been CEO in Brazil and Europe. Here, the competition for slots at Abu Dhabi airport is fierce. Airlines from India, British Airways, carriers from all over the globe fight for slots,' he explained. He pointed out that Etihad controls only 56% of the airport's movements, asking: 'How can I have favouritism?' Slots, the scheduled times an airline can take off or land, are highly contested. And Neves was quick to note the difference between slots and traffic rights (the permissions to fly certain routes), saying both are handled fairly in the UAE. Airport Services Are Neutral Neves also pointed to changes made in Abu Dhabi to ensure a level playing field. 'Before COVID, Etihad handled ground services and catering for everyone. But about five years ago, Abu Dhabi made these independent so everyone has the same access,' he said. Now, all airlines at Abu Dhabi Airport use independent providers for handling and catering, ensuring no single airline has an edge. Grandfather Rights Are Respected Responding to Wizz Air's complaint that traffic rights were unfairly allocated, Neves said the UAE respects 'grandfather rights,' a standard practice in aviation where existing rights stay with the current holder unless they're surrendered. 'In the UAE, grandfather rights are respected, traffic rights are respected. If I go to Europe and ask for Air France's traffic rights, I won't get them either,' he explained. Neves admitted there are traffic rights in the UAE he wishes Etihad could access but cannot, unless competitors exit the market. Etihad Ready to Compete Neves closed by reaffirming that Etihad thrives on competition, whether it's with legacy carriers, low-cost airlines, or startups. 'Everything we are achieving is because of our ability to compete. Etihad is strong, and we're ready to compete. We like to compete and we're good at it,' he said, even praising rivals like Ryanair for their success. Despite being wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund, Neves stressed that Etihad's success is based on merit, not government favouritism.
