The total revenue increased 21 per cent to AED 18.4 bn (U.S.$ 5.0 bn) in the first nine months of 2024, up from AED 15.1 bn (U.S.$ 4.1 bn) in the same period last year.
Etihad Airways has announced its financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, achieving AED 1.4 bn (U.S.$ 368 mn) profit after tax, a significant increase from AED 814 mn (U.S.$ 222 mn) during the same period in 2023. The strong results reflect the airline’s ongoing strategy of driving growth across the business alongside optimising operational efficiencies and improving customer service.
The total revenue increased 21 per cent to AED 18.4 bn (U.S.$ 5.0 bn) in the first nine months of 2024, up from AED 15.1 bn (U.S.$ 4.1 bn) in the same period last year. This growth was driven by a strong summer season as a consequence of the successful execution of our network expansion strategy, alongside significant growth in the cargo business, particularly in the third quarter of the year.
Secondly, the passenger revenue increased by 21 per cent, reaching AED 15.2 bn (U.S.$ 4.1 bn), driven by strategic network expansion and increased flight frequencies that further enhanced connectivity. Etihad carried almost 14 mn passengers over the first nine months of the year, a 35 per cent increase year-on-year, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) reaching 68.2 bn, up 31 per cent year-on-year. The average passenger load factor stood at 87 per cent for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up from 86 per cent in the same period last year.
The operational efficiencies continued to improve, with unit costs decreasing year-on-year despite increased operating costs associated with growth and investments to enhance products and customer experience. Cost per Available Seat Kilometre (CASK) ex-fuel reduced by 8 per cent compared to the same period last year, highlighting Etihad’s ongoing commitment to efficiency and quality.
The overall passenger experience continued to improve, with customer satisfaction showing a sustained positive trend. Highlights included the introduction of Etihad’s fifth A380 and enhanced services supported by the new Terminal A at Zayed International Airport, along with expanded flight options in more convenient time slots, underscoring Etihad’s commitment to delivering a seamless and elevated travel experience for all guests.
Following the announcement of the airline’s Joint Business Agreement with China Eastern in the second quarter, Etihad Cargo extended its partnership with SF Airlines to boost UAE-China trade by enhancing capacity, transit times, and destination access.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “We are happy to report a strong performance for the first nine months of the 2024 financial year, with a 21 per cent increase in revenue and a 66 per cent increase in profit after tax compared to the same period in 2023. This impressive growth is driven by strong results in both passenger and cargo revenues, underscoring the effectiveness of our strategy and the strength of our growth trajectory, where we are also seeing ongoing improvements in customer satisfaction.
He further added, “Our operating fleet continues to expand, with all six A321NEOs scheduled for delivery in 2024 now in service. Despite the continued global aircraft shortage, our fleet has grown to 95 aircraft, an increase of 16 aircraft compared to the same time last year.
Our rolling 12-month passenger count has reached nearly 18 million, marking an increase of nearly 80 per cent compared to 2022 and underscoring the pace of our growth over the past two years. We’ve also extended our network to 83 destinations as of September, up from 72 a year ago, with further growth expected by year-end.”
