Partnerships and access key to accelerating Etihad’s expansion

“It is part of this strategy. We understand we cannot do everything alone and we were open to partner with any airline in the world that complements our network,” Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad chief executive, told Aviation Week.

“About one year and a half years ago we said let’s go after a partner in Africa, because we are not big enough,” he explained. In March 2025 it signed a joint venture deal with Ethiopian Airlines that sees the carriers codesharing and launching services between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi.

The management teams of each airline bonded. “As soon as we sat at the table, we realised we all talked the same language. No bullshit, only business,” said Neves.

In April, soon after signing its first African JV, Etihad and China Eastern Airlines officially launched their JV pact, marking the first time a Middle Eastern carrier and one from China have agreed such a deal.

The JVs give enhanced market access which is something that Etihad values greatly as it is growth at a clip of about 20% per year.

However, while nothing is ever off the table, Etihad will not return to the days of buying into other airlines. “My strategy today doesn't include equity investment, only joint ventures and codeshares,” said Neves.

When it comes to market access, Neves is pragmatic. “There is a lot of talk about traffic rights, but it is nothing new. If I have to say something, it is that the industry is making a lot of progress opening and granting everyone rights.”

“We doubled the capacity to India in one year and a half. How can I complain about that?” he asked.

“Two years ago, more than half of the seats between India and Abu Dhabi were available,” he noted. Etihad, Air Arabia and Indian carriers have since added capacity and filled all the seats. “Now we don't have more, but we're not in a rush. This is a natural process.”

It is, however, a process that Etihad focuses on very closely.  “I sit in a committee every week to discuss slots and traffic rights because it's so important for the airline.”

In addition, “I think it is important for the customer those countries gradually open. I don't think you should open like crazy, because that serves no purpose,” said Neves.

“It is a very valuable asset, so you need a measured approach. Everyone understands that if you protect, you are going to lose one day. The problem is people forget that there's no other industry in the world where the assets have [such great] mobility,” he added.