Photo: Shutterstock Etihad Airways continues to demonstrate outstanding performance in 2025, achieving record-breaking results in the first quarter of the year. The airline reports a net profit of 685 million dirhams (187 million USD), a notable 30% increase compared to the same period last year, maintaining strong operational profitability and a profit margin of 10%. This marks the most profitable quarter in Etihad's history, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing and innovative airlines globally.
Revenue, Destination, and Capacity Growth
The company's total revenues for the quarter reached 6.6 billion dirhams (1.8 billion USD), a 15% increase year-on-year.
Out of that, passenger revenues grew by 16% to 5.5 billion dirhams (1.5 billion USD), driven by high demand, the opening of new destinations, and increased flight frequencies. The cargo division also contributed with an 8% rise in revenues, despite a slight drop in shipment volumes, as a result of improved yield and targeted premium goods transportation.
The number of passengers soared to 5 million, a 16% increase compared to Q1 2024, with an average load factor of 87%, significantly higher than the industry standard. The airline also reported a 14% growth in ASK (Available Seat Kilometres), a measure of total seating capacity, due to higher fleet utilization and the introduction of additional wide-body aircraft
Fleet Expansion and Flight Experience: Comfort, Technology, and Luxury
Etihad's fleet currently counts 98 aircraft, including the return of an A380 with the luxurious "The Residence" class. The quarter also saw the delivery of a new A350-1000 and an additional Boeing 787, each equipped with ultra-fast Wi-Fi and advanced entertainment systems.
The quarter also marked a premium revolution:
In April, the airline launched the new A321LR cabin, becoming the region's first to offer a first-class cabin on a narrow-body aircraft. The cabin includes private suites, flat business seats, and wide-body comfort on medium-haul flights.
The airline is set to launch more premium services in the coming summer: new lounges, concierge services, dedicated check-in, luxury transfers, and baggage-free travel from Abu Dhabi airport.
Customer Satisfaction Soars to New Heights
The customer satisfaction index reached an all-time high in the quarter, with a 20% increase compared to last year. Customers rated the airline highly across various areas – check-in service, boarding process, flight crew, new menu, Wi-Fi availability, and the new design of the website and app.
According to the company, the improvement is due to a consistent focus on the customer experience: "We are not just improving – we are reinventing the entire journey experience," the company stated.
Strong Financial Performance and Long-Term Stability
The company's strong profitability is also reflected in EBITDA figures, standing at 1.4 billion dirhams (379 million USD), a 32% year-on-year increase, with an EBITDA margin of 21%, an improvement of 3 percentage points.
Additionally, cash flow from operating activities amounted to 1.8 billion dirhams (500 million USD), an 11% increase. The net leverage ratio improved to just 1.1x, a significant drop from 1.9x last year, resulting from strong cash flow and planned debt repayments.
Looking Ahead: 16 New Destinations
As of late March 2025, Etihad flies to 80 global destinations. This year, 16 new international routes are expected to be added, aiming to expand global presence and reinforce Abu Dhabi as a world transport hub.
CEO: "We Will Continue to Set New Industry Standards"
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad, stated: "This is an exceptional quarter both in profitability and customer experience. The results reflect the stability of our business model and the commitment of our employees. We are growing responsibly, maintaining quality, and delivering real value to passengers and stakeholders."