Etihad Airways achieves record profit in nine months with increased passenger numbers and fleet growth

Etihad Airways Breaks New Ground with Record Nine-Month Profit

Etihad Airways has posted an impressive profit of AED 1.7 billion (USD 463 million) after tax for the first nine months of 2025, marking its best performance to date. This upswing, representing a 26% rise compared to the prior year, highlights the airline’s robust growth in capacity, passenger traffic, and operational efficiency.

Financial and Operational Highlights

Revenue climbed 18% year-on-year, reaching AED 21.7 billion (USD 5.9 billion), underpinned by an increase in available capacity and sustained passenger demand. Passenger revenue alone jumped 20% to AED 18.2 billion, supported by a 17% rise in seat capacity and an 18% boost in passengers carried, topping a record 16.1 million travelers. The airline’s load factor—reflecting how full flights are—improved to an average of 88%, up by one percentage point from the previous period.

Cargo activities also contributed positively, with revenue expansion of 8% to AED 3.2 billion (USD 875 million) helped by greater freight volumes and availability.

Key Metric	Current Period	Change YoY
Κέρδη μετά από φόρους	AED 1.7 billion (USD 463 million)	+26%
Συνολικά Έσοδα	AED 21.7 billion (USD 5.9 billion)	+18%
Passengers Carried	16.1 million	+18%
Load Factor	88%	+1% point
Cargo Revenue	AED 3.2 billion (USD 875 million)	+8%

Fleet Expansion Fuels Growth

By September 2025, Etihad had expanded its operating fleet to 115 aircraft, adding 19 planes in the last year alone, including recent deliveries of Airbus A321LRs, Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A320 models. This accelerated growth enabled Etihad to increase flight frequency on key routes as well as launch new destinations, boosting third-quarter available seat kilometers by more than 20%.

Innovations in Passenger Experience

Investments in product upgrades, including the introduction of the A321LR aircraft, have contributed to rising customer satisfaction. This aircraft features premium cabins with First suites and fully lie-flat Business seats arranged in a spacious 1-1 configuration, along with redesigned interiors. These enhancements led to record Net Promoter Scores across all travel classes, especially among premium travelers.

Network Growth and Service Excellence

The airline now serves over 100 destinations worldwide, operating flights to 91 as of September. Recent route additions include Atlanta and Al Alamein, with plans for further destinations such as Salalah, Kazan, and Krakow. The European sector alone has seen an increase of more than 500,000 seats this year, contributing to healthy inbound traffic to Abu Dhabi.

Operational efficiency and brand strength remain a priority. Recognition by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) came in the form of a prestigious Five-Star Global Airline rating for 2026, reflecting ongoing commitment to quality service and product consistency. Etihad also expanded its commercial partnerships, including loyalty alliances and cargo collaborations.

Workforce Growth

To support this expansion, Etihad hired over 2,600 new employees during the first nine months of 2025, including 200 pilots and 1,500 cabin crew members. Internal promotions exceeded 1,500, which signals healthy organizational growth and development across the company.

Relevance to Taxi and Transfer Services

With its growing passenger base and expanded network, Etihad’s success has ripple effects on related transport services, including taxis and transfers. Airports connected by Etihad routes experience increased demand for ground transportation, providing opportunities for taxi and transfer companies to serve higher volumes of travelers with diversified vehicle options. Platforms such as GetTransfer.com stand to benefit, offering customers access to a wide range of vehicles, clear pricing, and driver details—an essential feature when navigating busy airport transfers or planning city rides during travel.

Summary: Why This Matters

Etihad Airways’ unprecedented profit and growth showcase how strategic fleet expansion and enhanced passenger experience can fuel success in today’s competitive aviation market. By adding new airplanes and routes, while maintaining excellent service quality, the airline continues to solidify its position as a key player. For travelers, this means more choice and better connectivity, often translating into increased need for reliable taxi and transfer services from airport to destination.

Even the most detailed reviews and authentic feedback can fall short of personal travel experiences. On GetTransfer, users can confidently hire cars with drivers from verified providers at competitive prices. This platform’s transparency makes it easy to find exactly the right vehicle for every need, from compact cars to luxury limousines, ensuring convenience and affordability without hidden costs or surprises. The vast selection of vehicles and numerous options mean travelers can tailor their transport precisely and comfortably. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com.

While this development may not drastically reshape the global tourism map immediately, it remains significant within the UAE and among Etihad’s network. Keeping pace with such dynamics aligns with GetTransfer’s mission to offer up-to-date, trustworthy service for travelers worldwide. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.