Etihad Q1 2025: Record Profit, Passenger Growth & Customer Joy

Post by : Layla Badr

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Etihad Airways had a fantastic start to 2025, showing strong financial results and very happy customers. This success builds on what the airline achieved last year, with improvements in money earned, how well it runs its flights, and adding new planes to its fleet.

The airline made a profit of AED 685 million (about US$187 million) after paying taxes. This is 30% more than the same time last year. The increase came because more people flew with Etihad and the airline worked more efficiently. The total money earned by Etihad grew by 15% compared to the first quarter of 2024. Both passengers and cargo helped with this growth.

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Etihad carried 5 million passengers in the first three months of 2025. This is 16% more than the same time last year, making Etihad the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East. Over the past year, almost 20 million people have flown with them.

Customers were happier than ever with Etihad’s service, with satisfaction scores going up by 20% compared to last year. Passengers enjoyed better experiences at key points like check-in, boarding, inflight service, food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and even on the new website and mobile app. The airline also launched new menus in lounges and on planes, and improved their service standards.

Etihad’s fleet of planes grew during this time too. One more A380 plane was added back to service, which has very special First Apartments and The Residence for premium travelers. In April, Etihad got a new A350-1000 plane, and soon they will receive a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These new planes have very fast Wi-Fi and better entertainment systems onboard.

The airline also improved its premium travel options. First Class is now available on more routes, and new ground and inflight services will start in August. In April, Etihad introduced a new A321LR plane with a special cabin — it is the first in the Middle East to offer First Class on a smaller, single-aisle aircraft. This cabin has private First Class suites and lie-flat Business Class seats, giving widebody comfort on medium-length flights. The full First Class experience will include a concierge service, private chauffeur rides, special check-in areas, meet-and-assist help, and baggage-free travel in Abu Dhabi.

Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, said they are proud of the record-breaking quarter in both profit and customer happiness. He said the airline’s clear strategy is to grow in a sustainable way, work efficiently, and always focus on giving guests amazing experiences. He mentioned improvements in onboard service, airport services, and the launch of the A321LR narrowbody plane with a market-leading design. Etihad will keep expanding its network with 16 new routes planned for 2025 and more aircraft joining the fleet. He stressed that the airline will keep focusing on quality, efficiency, and creating value for customers and partners.

Passenger revenue increased by 16% to reach AED 5.5 billion (about US$1.5 billion). This growth was helped by adding more seats, expanding the network, and increasing the number of flights.

The airline flew 14% more available seat kilometers (ASK) than last year, and the passenger load factor (how full the planes are) improved to 87%, which is 1 percentage point higher. By the end of March 2025, Etihad had 98 planes operating, including the return of their sixth A380. In April, they received another A350-1000 plane.

Etihad flew to 80 destinations as of March 2025, with 16 new routes planned for the year to help the airline grow and reach important global markets.

Cargo business also grew well. Even though cargo volume dropped by 4%, the cargo revenue went up by 8% thanks to better prices.

The airline’s strong performance is clear in its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), which increased by 32% compared to last year, reaching AED 1.4 billion (about US$379 million). The EBITDA margin improved by 3 percentage points to 21%.

Etihad also improved its financial health. Net leverage (the amount of debt compared to earnings) dropped to 1.1 times, down from 1.9 times in March 2024. This happened because the airline paid off some debt and generated strong cash flow. Cash flow from operations reached AED 1.8 billion (about US$500 million), an 11% increase from last year.

In summary, Etihad Airways had a great first quarter in 2025, with strong profits, growing passenger numbers, happier customers, and more planes to meet demand. The airline is focused on growing smartly and giving travelers the best experience possible.

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