Etihad Airways has increased passenger sales by 13 per cent in the first half of 2013 as it continued to expand its operations and routes.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said that passenger revenue had risen to $1.8 billion - up from $1.6 billion during the same period in 2012.
CEO James Hogan (pictured) said: “Despite the tough global trading climate, we have still achieved record, double digit growth in both quarter two and the first half of 2013.
“This reflects not only the continuing popularity of our Abu Dhabi hub, but the growing maturity of our airline partnership strategy and the strength of our cargo operations, which continue to well exceed industry growth rates.”
Etihad increased capacity by 13 per cent in the second quarter, compared to the same period in 2012, as it added another 11 aircraft taking its fleet to 78.
Hogan also praised the contribution from Etihad’s “equity alliance partners” – particularly Air Berlin which has become Etihad’s largest codeshare partner due to “increased connectivity between the integrated networks of the two airlines”.
Revenue generated by its alliance partners and codeshares rose by 25 per cent to $184 million during the second quarter of 2013. Partner airlines also include Aer Lingus, Virgin Australia and Air Seychelles – all of which have Etihad as a minority shareholder.
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