Airline aims to be profitable in two years

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national carrier of the UAE, will become profitable in two years time while it will also publish annual results, said a senior official.

"We are currently conducting a study on our future needs and fleet growth plan, with regards to Boeing's B787 and Airbus' A350 aircraft. We are studying both options and will make a decision later," Dr Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saif Al Nahyan told the media at Dubai airshow yesterday.

"A decision to this effect will be taken only once the study is complete with recommendation. However, we have large plans for the airline and we are happy with its current growth."

The airline's flights are currently running at 75 per cent seat load factor. "It is serving 20 destinations. By the end of the next year, Etihad will serve 30 destinations," he said.

Dr. Nahyan said, Etihad will carry 1.5 million passengers by the end of this year.

"By the end of the next year, the airline will carry 3.5 million passengers," he said.

The airline has a mixed passenger portfolio with a fair share of business and leisure travelers, he said.

As Abu Dhabi promotes the emirates as a tourism destination, it is expected to be flooded with visitors in the coming years.

"We want to have the maximum share of the passengers travelling in and out of Abu Dhabi and the biggest player in Abu Dhabi airport."

He said, he did not think that there are too many airports too close, with regards to the new airport being developed in Jebel Ali.

"I think all these airports will remain busy. Our airport will certainly remain busy," he said.