Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced that it will restart flights to Kenyan capital Nairobi from December 15.

Lena Havia

In a press statement, the airline says it will fly four-times a week nonstop between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

Etihad flight EY767 will fly from Abu Dhabi at 09:15 and arrive at Nairobi by 13:40 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. On the return leg, EY768 flight to Abu Dhabi will depart from Nairobi at 18:20 the same days and arrive at Abu Dhabi at 00:20 the next day.

“We are pleased to resume flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi this winter. We are grateful to the Kenyan and UAE authorities for the authorisation to resume flights and thank our passengers eager to use this popular route for their patience,” says Lena Havia, Etihad’s Vice President Network and Scheduling.

Spike in revenues & profits in H1 2024 boost Etihad

In a separate development, Etihad Airways has also announced its H1 2024 results, in which it recorded a 48 pc increase in profit after tax that reached AED 851 million (USD 231 million).

This projects a significant increase from AED 575 million (USD 156 million) in H1 2023, highlighting the airline’s continued focus on growth coupled with optimising operational efficiencies, says Etihad.

The press statement says that total revenue increased 21 pc to AED 11.7 billion (USD 3.19 billion), from AED 9.6 billion (USD 2.61 billion) in H1 2023, mainly due to passenger revenue, which saw a 24 pc year-on-year increase, reflecting strong demand fuelled by strategic network expansion and increased flight frequencies, consequently further improving connectivity.

There was also a notable 10 pc increase in cargo revenue this year compared to the same period of 2023, primarily driven by higher demand and higher cargo capacity of the fleet.

Etihad says it ferried 8.7 million passengers in the first half of the year, up 38 pc year-on-year. The airline says that this is approximately three-times higher than IATA’s reported average growth rate of 13 pc for Middle Eastern carriers in the same period. The average passenger load factor stands at 85 pc for H1 2024 and remains unchanged compared to the first half of last year.

Antonoaldo Neves

“We are pleased to report a strong first half of the 2024 financial year, with profit after tax 48 pc higher than the net result reported in the same period of 2023. This reflects a robust performance in both passenger and cargo revenues, demonstrating the soundness of our strategy and growth path,” says Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group.

“Notwithstanding global aircraft shortage, we have 16 more aircraft in our fleet of 92 than at the same point last year, including three A321neos. We are bringing six A321neos into operation this year, equipped with advanced CFM LEAP 1A engines. In the next 18 months we expect to add more than 20 new generation aircraft to our fleet, which offer reduced emissions and up to 20 pc more efficiency compared to previous models,” he adds.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to our people, whose hard work and dedication in the air and on the ground, working together for a purpose, have been instrumental in achieving these results,” Neves says.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa

“Our dedication to customer service remains steadfast as we prepare to further expand our network and enrich our services, connecting more individuals to and through Abu Dhabi. Etihad’s 8.7 million passengers in the first half of the year accounted for over 63 pc of the total 13.7 million passengers at Zayed International Airport from January to June 2024,” says Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group.

“This total represents an approximate 34 pc increase in passenger numbers through the airport compared to the first half of 2023, highlighting the key role the airline plays in boosting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade,” Shorafa adds.

“Etihad continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic development. Our strategic growth and network expansion not only bolster the connectivity of our capital but also significantly contribute to the prosperity of the UAE’s economy. We are committed to further enhancing our services and expanding our reach, ensuring Abu Dhabi remains a key global travel hub,” Shorafa says.

The statement adds that Etihad continued to enhance its global network by adding new destinations and increasing capacity, as well as expanding partnerships. 

During this period, Etihad signed a landmark joint venture with China Eastern, marking the first commercial agreement of its kind between a Middle Eastern and Chinese airline.