According to Amac News, the profit was driven by revenue of 20.8 billion dirhams ($5.7 billion) from passengers and 4.2 billion dirhams ($1.1 billion) from cargo, coupled with significant improvements in operational efficiency.
According to Etihad, the airline carried 18.5 million passengers last year, up 32 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong and consistent demand across its expanding network.
Total revenue rose 25 percent year-on-year to 25.3 billion dirhams ($6.9 billion). The growth was driven by strong performance in both passenger and cargo.
The airline’s passenger revenue increased by 4.2 billion dirhams ($1.1 billion), or 25%, compared to 2023. Cargo revenue also increased by 24% compared to the previous year, driven by increased capacity and volume (up 12% in freight tonnage carried) and improved pricing in the second half of the year.
In 2024, Etihad expanded its operations to more than 1,700 weekly flights. It also launched more than 20 new destinations this year, including Boston, Jaipur, Bali and Nairobi, and added summer destinations such as Antalya, Nice and Santorini to its flight schedule.
The airline’s operating fleet continues to expand with the addition of 12 aircraft, including the introduction of a new fleet type with six A320 NEOs and the return to service of a fifth A380.
Etihad Airways now has the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet in the region, supporting its ESG strategy to reduce carbon emissions and improve service.
In 2024, the airline confirmed its AED 3 billion refurbishment programme, the airline’s largest ever and is expected to significantly improve in-flight comfort when it begins.
In recognition of these achievements, Etihad Airways has won numerous industry awards from bodies such as the World Travel Awards and the Business Traveller Awards in categories including Best Cabin Crew, Best Customer Experience, Best Economy Class and Best First Class Lounge.
Etihad Airways’ workforce has grown to over 11,000, including over 2,000 new hires. More than 70 Emirati pilots have graduated and over 3,000 applications have been received for the latest training programme.
Emiratis now make up 20% of the airline’s workforce, demonstrating the company’s support for the Emirates Talent Strategy and its role in developing the airline’s future professionals.
During 2024, Etihad also continued to strengthen its network through 126 international, codeshare and strategic partnerships, including a landmark partnership with China Eastern, the first between a Middle Eastern airline and China, and a strategic partnership with SF Airlines to increase logistics capacity and expand the network.
Etihad Airways has also improved operational efficiency, with CASK and CASK excluding fuel reduced by 3% and 4% respectively. Efficiency gains are also evident in costs associated with core functions, which grew well below capacity.