History
Etihad Airways was established as the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates in July 2003 by Royal (Amiri) Decree issued by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It started with an initial paid-up capital of AED500 million. Services were launched with a ceremonial flight to Al Ain on 5 November 2003. On 12 November 2003, Etihad commenced commercial operations with the launch of services to Beirut, and has gone on to become the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation.
In June 2004, the airline made an US$8-billion aircraft order for five Boeing 777-300ERs and 24 Airbus aircraft, including four A380-800s.
The airline announced what was the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history at the Farnborough Airshow in 2008, for up to 205 aircraft – 100 firm orders, 55 options and 50 purchase rights.
As of January 2012, the airline operates passenger and cargo services to 85 destinations around the world from its home base in Abu Dhabi.
In 2011, Etihad carried 8.3 million passengers, a 17% increase on the previous year, delivering revenues of US$ 4.1 billion and net profits of US$ 14 million.
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