The UAE’s Etihad Airways has witnessed strong growth as the summer holiday season came to an end, welcoming 1.6 million travelers in September 2024 compared to 1.2 million during the same month last year. In its latest statement, the airline revealed that it achieved a notable average passenger load factor of 88 percent, up 1 percent from the same period last year.
“Our passenger numbers in September saw significant growth compared to the same period last year, highlighting our continuing upward momentum,” stated Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
Airline expands to 76 passenger destinations
Year-to-date, Etihad Airways has welcomed 13.6 million travelers, marking a substantial 35 percent increase from the previous year.
“As of September 2024, the airline’s rolling 12-month passenger total stands at 17.5 million, up from 10 million in 2022, underlining the pace of our growth in less than two years,” added Neves.
The airline added that despite significantly expanding its capacity from last year, it maintained a robust passenger load factor, demonstrating the high demand and preference of travelers for Etihad globally.
“Our route map has swelled to 76 passenger destinations, from 68 this time last year. We announced two new routes Prague and Warsaw in September with more on the horizon, as we continue to fulfill our growth promise,” he added.
Etihad Airways widens global reach
Etihad Airways’ routes have expanded with the growth of its fleet, raising Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub and a major destination for tourists from around the world.
The airline has recently introduced new routes to Jaipur, India, due to the strong demand from the country. In addition, it celebrated 20 years of operation in Vietnam, highlighting its key role in the country’s technology exports.
In August, the airline carried 1.7 million guests and achieved an average passenger load factor of 89 percent, reflecting very strong performance during the summer holiday season. The airline also reported that its operating fleet grew to 95 aircraft, up from 79 in the same period last year.
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