In a keynote interview on Wednesday morning at the Dubai Airshow 2023, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves took to the airshow’s main stage to discuss the airline’s ambitious growth plan for the next seven years, Journey 2030. This strategy, supported by the airline’s shareholder, ADQ, signifies a pivotal turning point in Etihad’s journey, setting the stage for a future marked by sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences, with a significant economic contribution to Abu Dhabi.
The airline will also be hiring around 1000 people year-on-year for the next seven years.
Talking about how the sector is bouncing back post-COVID with the airline even looking at new recruitment, he said: “We’re going to be hiring 800 to 1000 people every year for the next seven years. The plan is to double the size of the fleet in the next seven years. We believe that this is going to create a lot of value for the company.”
“The industry is in good shape and I’m really happy to see how the sector recovered from Covid. The fact is that in many regions of the world, we are flying at or above COVID levels which is just remarkable. We love to serve, and we love to deliver great customer experiences.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, said: “As we mark Etihad’s 20th anniversary, we are excited about what’s next. Journey 2030 is the guiding plan that propels Etihad Airways into the future.
“Etihad has solidified its global presence and successfully navigated challenges. Now, with strong shareholder support and a strategic plan in place, the airline is poised for sustainable, profitable growth.”
Under Journey 2030, Etihad’s network will extend to over 125 destinations, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Asia and Europe. Simultaneously, the fleet will double to over 160 aircraft, focusing on connecting short and medium-haul destinations in the GCC, India, and Asia with long-haul destinations in Europe and North America.
Core tenets of its network strategy include introducing new destinations, providing more options, and increasing frequencies to key international markets.” Our mandate is clear: to deliver extraordinary customer service and sustainable profitability, as the foundation for Etihad’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s aspirations,” said Neves.
