Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways (Arabic: الإتحاد‎, ʼal-ittiħād = "union") is a flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. Established by Royal decree in July 2003 and based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad commenced operations in November 2003.

The airline operates more than 1,300 flights per week to 85 passenger and cargo destinations in 55 countries, with a fleet of 67 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. In 2011, Etihad carried 8.3 million passengers, a 17% increase on the previous year, delivering revenues of US$ 4.1 billion and net profits of US$ 14 million.

Etihad was awarded the World's Leading Airline in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to its core activity of passenger transportation, Etihad also operates Etihad Holidays and Etihad Cargo. The airline is based at Abu Dhabi International Airport and its head office is in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi.

Etihad reported its first full-year net profit in 2011, of US$14 million, in line with the strategic plan announced by CEO James Hogan in 2006.

In December 2011, Etihad announced it had taken a 29.21% stake in Air Berlin, Europe’s sixth largest airline, and James Hogan was appointed Vice Chairman. It followed this up with minority stakes in other airlines – Air Seychelles (40%), Aer Lingus (2.987%) and Virgin Australia (10%).