Etihad Airways is all set to triple the number of its passengers to 30 million and double its fleet size to 150 aircraft towards the end of this decade said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways while speaking to Reuters.
The planned expansion marks a major shift in Etihad’s strategy to focus on medium and long-haul operations and move away from ultra-long-haul routes where competition is intense, and profitability is a challenge, according to Neves. “Our mandate is very clear. We do not fly to places where we do not make money,” he said.
Neves further explained that the planned move aims to enhance connectivity between China, Southeast Asia, India, and GCC countries to Europe and the US East Coast.
The strategy shift coincides with the unprecedented expansion of Air India, in a bid to secure a larger share of the country’s international air travel market currently dominated by Middle Eastern airlines, including Etihad.
Neves further added that India is among the airline’s top three international markets. Nevertheless, he asserted that competition did not worry him, adding that there is space for everyone in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
Additionally, he revealed that aside from Delhi and Mumbai, the airline aims to expand its network by including six other Indian destinations which are not currently being serviced.
Currently, Etihad has 10,000 seats of unutilised flying rights between India and Abu Dhabi per week, which puts the airline in a better position compared to other carriers seeking more capacity rights.