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Future Prospects: Etihad’s strong performance in the Indian market and its ambitious expansion plans signal a promising future
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The UAE remains a top aspirational destination for Indian travelers, driven by robust economic and demographic trends
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With India as a cornerstone of its strategy, Etihad Airways is poised to leverage this synergy for sustained growth
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has reaffirmed India’s pivotal role in its future plans despite its recent announcement of 10 new routes omitting Indian destinations, skift.com reported.
The new routes include Atlanta, Hong Kong, Algiers, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Krabi, Phnom Penh, Taipei, Tunis, and Medan, all set to launch next year. The inclusion of Atlanta, home to a large Indian diaspora, underscores Etihad’s strategy to strengthen connections for Indian travelers.
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The airline plans to add around 10 new destinations annually for the next five years
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CEO Antonoaldo Neves expressed confidence in overcoming aircraft delivery delays, citing the integration of setbacks into the airline’s operational schedule
“Atlanta is among the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. and serves as a key hub for the Indian community,” said Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Commercial Officer. The Abu Dhabi-Atlanta route, operated by the advanced Airbus A350, offers a seamless link between India and the U.S., coupled with the convenience of U.S. preclearance facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Expanding Operations in India
Etihad currently flies to 11 Indian cities, with recent enhancements such as increasing Jaipur flights from four to 10 per week. Over the past year, the airline has achieved a 110% growth in capacity for Indian routes. This reflects Etihad’s commitment to investing in India, as De emphasized: “We’re not shying away from our commitment to India. Our capacity growth and market leadership demonstrate our dedication.”
Etihad claims the top market share for connecting passengers between India and regions like Europe and North America. India’s substantial expatriate population in the UAE—estimated at 3.5 million—further cements the country as a critical market. India also remains the top source market for travelers to Dubai, highlighting the broader appeal of the UAE for Indian tourists.
Strategic Vision: Journey 2030
Under its transformation plan, Journey 2030, Etihad aims to expand its fleet from 96 to 170 aircraft, grow its passenger base to 35 million, and serve 125 destinations by the end of the decade.
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