Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has revealed ambitious plans to significantly expand its workforce and fleet over the next seven years. Antonoaldo Neves, the airline’s CEO, disclosed that Etihad intends to hire approximately 1,000 employees annually in this period.
The expansion plan, which aligns with the airline’s 20th anniversary, aims to double the size of its fleet. This growth strategy is a response to the robust recovery of the aviation sector post-Covid, with many regions now exceeding pre-pandemic flight levels.
This year, Etihad has already grown by 35%, adding 12 new destinations to its network. In the upcoming year, the airline will introduce services to 10 more locations, including several in India, Boston, and Nairobi. The expansion will be supported by the addition of new aircraft to the fleet, including the latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
However, Neves highlighted challenges, particularly in the supply chain, impacting the availability of new aircraft. Despite these hurdles, he remains confident in the airline’s growth strategy and execution capabilities.
Etihad is also transitioning a significant part of its operations to Abu Dhabi’s new Midfield terminal, a move crucial to accommodate its ambitious passenger targets. The terminal, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, will play a key role in the airline’s growth, with Etihad expected to handle 17 million passengers next year and 33 million in the next seven years.