Image: Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways reported record-breaking financial results and customer satisfaction in the first quarter of 2025, building on strong momentum from the previous year.
The airline posted a profit after tax of Dhs685m ($187m), up 30 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong passenger demand and continued operational efficiencies.
Total revenue rose 15 per cent compared to Q1 2024, reaching Dhs6.6bn($1.8bn), with growth driven by both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue grew 16 per cent to Dhs5.5bn($1.5bn), supported by increased flight frequencies, network expansion, and higher capacity.
Cargo revenue rose 8 per cent year-on-year, despite a 4 per cent decline in volume, on the back of improved yields.
Five million passengers carried in Q1
The carrier transported five million passengers in the first quarter, a 16 per cent increase year-on-year, with passenger load factor rising one percentage point to 87 per cent. Over the past 12 months, Etihad has carried nearly 20 million passengers, positioning it as the fastest-growing airline in the region.
Customer satisfaction hit a record high in Q1, improving by 20 per cent year-on-year across key service areas, including check-in, inflight service, food and beverage, and digital platforms.
The airline launched new lounge and inflight menus during the period, alongside upgraded service standards.
Etihad’s fleet continued to expand, with 98 aircraft in service by the end of the quarter, including the return of a sixth Airbus A380. The airline also took delivery of a new Airbus A350-1000 in April, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner set to follow. These aircraft feature high-speed Wi-Fi and enhanced inflight entertainment systems.
The airline also introduced its new A321LR cabin in April, becoming the first in the region to offer First Class on a single-aisle aircraft. The cabin includes private First suites and lie-flat Business seats for medium-haul routes.
A new concierge service, private chauffeur transfers, and baggage-free travel options are expected to launch in Abu Dhabi from August.
EBITDA for the quarter reached Dhs1.4bn ($379m), up 32 per cent year-on-year, with EBITDA margin rising to 21 per cent.
Cash flow from operations increased by 11 per cent to Dhs1.8bn ($500m), while net leverage improved to 1.1x from 1.9x a year earlier, supported by scheduled debt repayments and strong cash generation.
Etihad operated flights to 80 destinations as of March 2025 and has announced 16 new routes to launch this year.
“We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter – both in profitability and in guest satisfaction,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “We’re executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests.”
Etihad Airways: Key Q1 2025 metrics
- Profit after tax: Dhs685m ($187m), +30 per cent YoY
- Total revenue: Dhs6.6bn ($1.8bn), +15 per cent YoY
- Passenger revenue: Dhs5.5 bn ($1.5 bn), +16 per cent YoY
- Passengers carried: Five million, +16 per cent YoY
- Load factor: 87 per cent, +1 pp YoY
- EBITDA: Dhs 1.4bn ($379m), +32 per cent YoY
- Cash flow from operations: Dhs 1.8 billion ($500m), +11 per cent YoY
- Net leverage: 1.1x (down from 1.9x in March 2024)
- Fleet size: 98 aircraft
- Destinations: 80 (16 new routes launching in 2025)
Read: Etihad to launch direct flights to Charlotte, aims to expand US network
