Airlines Etihad celebrates 15 years

Etihad Airways celebrates 15 years of being in operation. Since the first flight in 2003 it has become one of the world’s leading airlines with a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft carrying passengers and cargo to 85 destinations worldwide.

Shortly after the airline was founded by Emir Zayid bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2003 the first flight took off in November of the same year from Abu Dhabi to the historic city of Al Ain. Regular commercial flights were launched on 12 November of the same year from Abu Dhabi to the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

In its first year in operation, the carrier flew approximately 340.000 passengers on its routes. Five years later, the number had increased more than 17-fold to 6 million, after ten years to 11.5 million, and 18.5 million in 2016. With 50 code-share agreements Etihad Airways has the largest network in the Middle East.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are tremendously proud of Etihad’s achievements in just fifteen years. In this short time, we have emerged as one of the world’s most respected and recognised airline brands, known for leading the way through innovation, and upholding the best aspects of Arabian hospitality, delivered to millions of customers with a style and flair synonymous with the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. We can look to the future with renewed vigour and vitality, as the airline of choices, showcasing Abu Dhabi everywhere we fly.
We express sincere thanks to our customers, our corporate and travel trade partners here in Abu Dhabi and around the world, and our people for their invaluable loyalty and support.”

Etihad marks the airline’s anniversary by introducing limited edition cabin crew scarves and ties specially designed by Diane von Furstenberg. The accessories will be worn by the airline’s cabin crew throughout the month of November to celebrate its 15-year anniversary and its 10-year partnership with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.