Etihad Airways celebrates 20 years: ‘We aim to welcome 30 million guests every year by 2030’

Starting with just four destinations in their first year in 2003, Etihad Airways has grown substantially in the last two decades. The national carrier of the UAE marked its first trip with a ceremonial flight to Al Ain, flying over all seven emirates.

Currently, the carrier services over 70 destinations across the world. Etihad Airways employs over 9,250 staff as of September, and has an aircraft fleet of 79. [Pictured: Etihad's Airbus A380 returns to the skies in 2023]

Commenting on Etihad Airways 20th anniversary, Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said, “By 2030, we aim to double our fleet and welcome three times more guests, reaching 30 million people each year…”

Starting from November 9, the airline will be transitioning operations from Terminal 3 to the newly opened Terminal A. From November 14, Etihad is set to operate all flights from Terminal A.

Terminal A, with dedicated check-in desks, self-check-in options, lounge area and more, is a key pillar of Etihad’s growth strategy – the airline said in a media release. The terminal can handle up to 45 million passengers annually and connect Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations

Katrina Kaif has been a brand ambassador for the airline since 2010.

The longest flight in the network connects Abu Dhabi to Sydney, spanning a distance of 12,060km.

The airline's loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, grew from 65,000 members in 2006 to over 9 million in 2023. Etihad Guest members get free Wi-Fi onboard.

In 2014, Etihad Airways launched The Residence, the only three-room suite in the sky in commercial aviation.

Over the past two decades, Etihad has won several travel and aviation awards, most recently as the world's most punctual airline (2023) - ranked by Official Airline Guide (OAG).