Etihad Airways delivered record-breaking financial performance and the highest-ever customer satisfaction performance in the first quarter of 2025, building on last year’s momentum with further notable improvements across revenue, operational efficiency and fleet expansion.
Profit after tax reached AED685 million ($187 million), marking a 30 percent year-on-year increase, driven by robust passenger demand and operational efficiencies. Total revenue saw a 15 percent rise compared to Q1 2024, supported by both the passenger and cargo businesses.
“We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter, both in profitability and in guest satisfaction. Achieving our highest-ever Q1 profit of AED685 million and our best-ever customer satisfaction scores reflects the strength of our business and the dedication of our people,” stated Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
Airline carries 5 million guests in Q1 2025
Etihad Airways continues to lead the region in passenger growth, carrying 5 million guests in Q1 2025, a 16 percent year-on-year increase, and maintaining strong momentum into Q2. With nearly 20 million passengers carried over the last 12 months, Etihad is the fastest-growing airline in the region.
Customer satisfaction also reached a record high in Q1 2025, with scores improving by 20 percent year-on-year. Gains were recorded across key touchpoints, including check-in, boarding, inflight service, food and beverage, Wi-Fi and the updated website and mobile app. The quarter also saw the launch of a new lounge and inflight menus, alongside upgraded service standards.
“We’re executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests. From continued refinements to our onboard offering to improved airport services and the debut of our A321LR with a market-leading narrowbody product, we’re raising the bar in every part of the journey,” Neves added.
Carrier expands fleet amid record growth
The Etihad Airways fleet continued to expand to support the guest experience. One additional A380 returned to service during the quarter, offering first apartments and the residence. In April, Etihad took delivery of another A350-1000, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner to follow. These new aircraft feature ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi and updated in-flight entertainment systems.
Etihad also advanced its premium offering, expanding first class to more routes and preparing new ground and inflight services for rollout from August. In April, the airline introduced its new A321LR cabin, becoming the first in the region to offer first class on a single-aisle aircraft.
“Our network continues to expand with 16 new routes announced for 2025 and additional aircraft joining our fleet. As we grow, we remain disciplined and focused on quality, efficiency and creating value for our customers and stakeholders,” Neves added.
Passenger revenue hits AED5.5 billion
Etihad Airways’ passenger revenue grew by 16 percent, reaching AED5.5 billion, driven by increased capacity, continued network expansion and increased flight frequencies. Passenger growth was also boosted by a 14 percent rise year-on-year in available seat kilometers and an improved passenger load factor of 87 percent.
Fleet expansion accelerated, with 98 aircraft in operation by the end of the quarter, including the reintroduction of Etihad’s sixth A380. The operating fleet further grew in the month of April with the delivery of an additional A350-1000. Etihad operated 80 destinations as of March 2025, with 16 new routes launching this year to support continued growth and broaden access to key global markets.
Read: Qatar Airways profit grows 28 percent to record $2.15 billion
Cargo revenue grows 8 percent
Improved cargo yield led to cargo revenue growth of 8 percent year-on-year, despite a 4 percent reduction in volumes.
The airline’s strong operational performance was evident in the EBITDA, which rose by 32 percent year-on-year, reaching AED1.4 billion, boosting the EBITDA margin to 21 percent.
Further strengthening financial resilience, net leverage improved to 1.1x, down from 1.9x in March 2024, driven by scheduled debt repayments and strong cash generation. Cash flow from operations reached AED1.8 billion, reflecting an 11 percent increase year-on-year.
