Etihad Airways Expands Fleet Amid Growing Demand

Etihad Airways orders additional widebody aircraft, anticipating an 8% increase in flights by mid-June. Despite regional tensions and rising fuel prices, CEO Antonoaldo Neves assures no flight cuts are planned as the airline focuses on maintaining full planes to manage costs effectively.

Etihad Airways is set to expand its fleet with additional widebody aircraft as the carrier prepares for an anticipated 8% increase in flights by June, according to CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The announcement came during a global airline CEO gathering in Brazil.

Despite recent regional tensions following the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which have disrupted operations and increased fuel prices, Neves confirmed that there would be no flight reductions. Instead, the focus remains on operational efficiency by ensuring that flights are fully booked.

"The biggest cost we have is an empty plane," said Neves, highlighting the importance of maintaining full capacity to manage costs effectively.