Etihad Airways reports record half-year profit of £228 million

Etihad Airways has reported a record profit of £228 million in its strongest half-year performance to date.

 

The airline said profit after tax rose 32% for the first six months of 2025 compared with the same period last year.

 

It attributed the growth to ‘vigorous customer demand, productivity and efficiency gains’ as well as improved yields across its passenger and cargo businesses.

 

Total revenue was up 16% year on year, reaching £2.7 billion, with passenger revenue up 16%, and cargo revenue up 9%. The carrier said increased revenue was the result of network expansion and growth in demand.

 

Ebitda rose 24% year on year to £551 million with improved Ebitda margins, reaching 20%, one percentage point higher than last year, on the back of a strong operating performance and efficiency gains.

 

The airline’s passenger numbers increased by 17% for the period to 10.2 million, with improved passenger load factors of 87%, a two percentage point rise year on year.  

 

In early July, the airline surpassed the 20 million passenger mark for the previous 12 months, doubling the 10 million it carried in 2022.

 

The airline has added more than 20 aircraft in the last 18 months bringing the total to more than 100 in the fleet.

 

This included the delivery of its sixth Airbus A350 in April and the reintroduction of a seventh A380 in May, when it also announced an order for 28 wide-body aircraft with Boeing.

 

A further five aircraft were added to the fleet in July, the highest number for a single month, including its first A321LR, which entered service in August flying to Phuket, offering first class suites and lie-flat business seats on a medium-haul route.

 

The airline said the orders reinforced its long-term growth and connectivity ambitions.

 

From June this year Etihad has been able to fly to almost 90 destinations, including year-round and seasonal services.

 

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of Etihad Airways, said: “With 27 new destinations launched or announced this year alone, Etihad is proud to help position Abu Dhabi as one of the most accessible and connected cities in the world.

 

“This growth not only strengthens point-to-point and stopover opportunities but also enhances Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway for millions of global travellers.”

 

In the results, the airline also reported customers satisfaction levels had continued to improve across airport services, customer experience and digital platforms.

 

Chief executive Antonoaldo Neves thanked the airline’s staff for their work in helping to achieve the results.

 

He said: “Our strong financial performance and continued passenger growth demonstrate the success of our strategy and the dedication of our people.

 

“We are expanding sustainably, investing in premium experiences, and bringing record numbers of visitors to Abu Dhabi through our growing network.

 

“We are already ahead of the growth levels we set in our strategy, we remain focused on execution, and are committed to expansion built on efficiency, service, and innovation.

 

“With new aircraft joining the fleet, new routes opening, and our premium offering flourishing, Etihad is setting new standards in aviation. None of this would be possible without the passion and professionalism of our employees, and I want to thank them for their outstanding contribution.”

 

In the first half of 2025, the airline took on more than 1,700 new hires, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew and made more than 1,100 promotions across the business.