ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has seen measured and controlled growth in 2009 with a fleet expanded to more than 50 aircraft and a flight network of 58 destinations.
According to CEO James Hogan: “This measured growth will continue to be our focus for 2010. Our strategy combines a number of route launches – such as Nagoya and Narita in Japan in the first quarter – as well as product enhancements in all three cabins and new code share agreements which will widen further the range of destinations and travel options we are able to offer our customers.”
As well as launching its first destinations in Japan, Etihad is to increase its flying programme to Dublin from March 2010, it also increased its Abu Dhabi-Frankfurt services from 10 to 13 per week from December and this will further increase to a double daily from March 2010.
Etihad also launched flights to its latest destination in India, the city of Hyderabad, in 2009.
Looking ahead, Hogan said: “We are already starting to see signs of an upturn in 2010 but the next 12 months will still be tough for airlines as they strive to recover from one of the toughest periods the industry has ever encountered. While we can expect to see people’s appetite for flying return, and therefore healthy seat factors, pressure is likely to remain on yields.”
Competition for customers remains intense but Etihad is in a stronger position than many carriers thanks to the significant investment into product and service during the past 18 months, both in the air and on the ground. “This investment has not gone unnoticed – our position as the market leader was confirmed in November when Etihad was awarded the title of the ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards,” added Hogan.
The airline’s commitment to the very highest standards of service excellence is evident with the rolling out the new first class and with major upgrades in the business and economy cabins to come. “As the recovery starts to gather pace, our recent investment and product innovation will ensure that we are strongly placed to take full advantage,” concluded Hogan.