Etihad Airways Sales Jump

Etihad Airways

While most European and US airlines are struggling, Abu Dhabi- based Etihad Airways is doing pretty well. The airline saw sales jump by 28 precent to USD 989 million in the first three months of 2012. Reassured by the positive results, Etihad Airways goes ahead with the global expansion strategy.
Annual profit for the first time

The increase in sales allowed Etihad Airways to remain in the black. In 2011, Etihad booked an annual profit of $14 million for the first time. Etihad's CEO James Hogan expects that the profit in 2012 will be even higher despite the increasing fuel costs.

Capacity rose by 26 percent and the seat factor increased to 76.5 percent.

Acquisitions

Etihad Airways has recently acquired a large intrest in Air Berlin and Air Seychelles. The airline is further interested in buying stakes in other airlines but this will not be done just because struggling competitors need cash.

New destinations, increased flight frequency and more capacity

In the first quarter of 2012, Etihad Airways introduced non-stop flights to Washington D.C. The airline also started flying to Shanghai (China), Nairobi (Kenya) and Tripoli (Libya).

Etihad Airways further plans to start flying to Basra (Iraq) and Lagos (Nigeria). The flight frequency to Düsseldorf, Bangkok, Cairo, Kuwait, and Dammam will be increased and extra capacity will be added to the London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur routes.

Etihad also plans to start flying to South America in 2013.

Website: http://www.etihadairways.com/