Etihad aims for growth in 2009

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “The aviation industry is facing its toughest challenge for many years as a result of the current global economic crisis, but Etihad Airways will seek to continue its expansion plans during 2009 in a measured, considered and controlled manner.

“The new aircraft arrivals will boost our fleet by a quarter and allow us to launch flights to five new destinations as well as build depth and frequency into our existing network.

“We have an excellent award-winning product in all three aircraft cabins, and will target an average seat factor of 77%, to help us achieve our ambitious plans to fly seven million passengers during the year.

“Although we will watch our costs very carefully we will not cut back on customer service nor will we compromise whatsoever on safety, the absolute bedrock of our business.”

Etihad will operate 900 weekly flights during its summer schedule this year.  A 20% increase on its 750 it operated in the same period last year.

The UAE flag carrier expects 11 new aircraft to join the fleet this year to help it launch new services to Melbourne, Istanbul, Athens, Larnaca and Chicago as well as to increase capacity and frequencies across its network.

The additional aircraft represent an 18% increase in seat capacity and a 12% increase in cargo capacity to 3.5 million tonnes.

Aircraft set for delivery this year include two Airbus A330-200s, an A330-300, two A340-600s, five A320-200s and a single Boeing 777-300ER.