Etihad Airways has announced its plans to triple its passenger numbers to 30 million and nearly double its fleet to 150 planes by the end of the decade while expanding presence in India. This ambitious goal comes as the airline shifts its strategy to focus on medium to long-haul destinations, moving away from the highly competitive and less profitable ultra long-haul flights.
Connecting India to the World
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasizes that “Etihad has India as a priority,” placing it among the airline’s top three markets. The company aims to connect places like China, Southeast Asia, India, and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries to Europe and the East Coast of the United States. As air travel in India surges, domestic passenger numbers have reached pre-COVID levels, and international traffic is picking up as the country’s economy grows.
Expanding Etihad’s Reach in India
Etihad already flies to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, but the airline has identified six additional Indian cities it wants to launch flights to. This deeper push into India comes as Tata Group-owned Air India plans an aggressive expansion with non-stop flights to Europe and the U.S., and budget carrier IndiGo grows its international network through its codeshare deal with Turkish Airlines.
However, Neves is not worried about the competition, stating that there is space for everyone in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. Etihad holds about 10,000 seats a week of unutilized flying rights between India and Abu Dhabi, putting it in a better position compared to rivals that are seeking more access amid government pushback to open its skies further.
Growth Through Organic Means
Etihad’s growth will be organic, according to Neves, and while the airline wants to pursue more codeshare and interline agreements, it will not look at mergers or equity partnerships. Etihad once held a stake in India’s Jet Airways, which is now in bankruptcy.
In conclusion, Etihad Airways’ ambitious expansion plan and strategic shift towards medium to long-haul destinations showcases the airline’s commitment to its priority markets, particularly India. As the country’s aviation market continues to grow, Etihad’s focus on organic growth and strong connections with key destinations will position it for success in the coming years.
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