Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its preliminary traffic statistics for June 2024, painting a picture of impressive growth and strategic network expansion. The airline carried a significant 1.5 million passengers in June, reflecting a remarkable 34% year-on-year increase. This positive momentum extends to the first half of 2024, with Etihad transporting a total of 8.7 million passengers, representing a nearly 40% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This translates to nearly 2.5 million additional flyers choosing Etihad for their travels.
Etihad's strong performance isn't solely driven by passenger numbers. The airline also boasts a healthy passenger load factor, averaging a commendable 86% across June. This indicates that Etihad's flights are efficiently filled, contributing to its overall financial health. Even with a significant increase in capacity compared to last year, the airline has successfully maintained a high load factor.
This growth isn't merely a statistical win. Etihad has actively expanded its network, offering travelers more destinations and improved connectivity. As of June 2024, the airline operates a fleet of 92 aircraft, a substantial increase from the 76 reported in June 2023. This growth in fleet size allows Etihad to serve a wider range of destinations. In June alone, the airline launched service to eight new destinations, including popular tourist spots like Bali and Jaipur, alongside seasonal offerings like Nice and Mykonos.
Etihad's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted these achievements, emphasizing the airline's continued growth trajectory. He pointed to the impressive 1.5 million passengers carried in June and the nearly 16.4 million passengers served over the past year. Neves also noted the expansion of the operating fleet and the addition of ten new destinations, solidifying Etihad's position as a major player in global aviation. toward overall, Etihad's June 2024 traffic statistics showcase a successful period of growth. The airline's increasing passenger numbers, healthy load factors, and strategic network expansion point toward a promising future. With a growing fleet and new destinations, Etihad is well-positioned to continue attracting travelers and solidifying its place as a leading global airline.