Etihad Airways carries record 2 million passengers in August

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has carried more than two million passengers in a single month for the first time.

 

The milestone was reached by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier in August, with passenger numbers soaring 22% compared to the previous year to reach two million, while load factor also increased from 89% to 91%.

 

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, described August as “a landmark month for Etihad”.

 

So far this year, the airline has carried 14.2 million passengers, which is 18% higher than at this time last year.

 

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These increases are in part down to the fleet expanding to 112 aircraft (up from 96 last year) and now serving 81 destinations (up from 76).

 

The airline’s A321LR entered service on 1 August, connecting Abu Dhabi with Phuket in Thailand, and featuring First Class suites and lie-flat Business seats on medium-haul routes. That aircraft is the first of 30 heading to Etihad.

 

Neves added: "With 81 destinations in our network and more than 20 additional routes confirmed, we remain focused on connecting the world through Abu Dhabi whilst bringing more visitors to experience all the emirate has to offer."

 

In July, Etihad celebrated carrying 20 million passengers in a 12-month period for the first time, with CEO Neves stating his next goal is to grow the fleet to 200 aircraft and serve more than 38 million passengers by 2030.

 

For more information, visit etihad.com