Etihad looks forward with caution

Etihad looks forward with caution
By admin


Etihad Airways expects profits to continue to rise in 2013, but the airline's president and chief executive James Hogan has warned it won't be an easy year.

At a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, Hogan pointed to ongoing turbulence in Syria and other areas of the Middle East as a concern, with potential to impact the cost of fuel. Challenging economic conditions in the Eurozone also continue to place pressure on air fares, he added.

Futhermore, he highlighted aviation taxes such as those being imposed in Germany and the UK as an additional burden on airlines.

"These unfair taxes are purely a form of revenue for the respective treasuries," he argued.

But overall, Hogan was optimistic about the year, outlining a profit target higher than 2013, although he did not disclose details.

"Obviously in running an airline, you have to ensure it is robust enough to meet any challenges that may impact the business in 2013," he said. "The market will continue to be competitive, but Etihad, as a brand and a structured airline, is in good shape to meet those challenges."

The development of Abu Dhabi itself as a tourism destination will play a key role in the Etihad's success, Hogan added. The airline has signed a deal with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) to "work as one" to promote the destination worldwide, with more hotels and attractions expected to open in 2013.

"As more content becomes available Abu Dhabi, more visitors from overseas will come here to experience the destination," he said.

Meanwhile, Hogan reported a good start to 2013, with the airline "extremely bullish" for the first quarter.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier yesterday reported a 200% spike net profits to US$42 million for the 2012 financial year.

 

Latest News

  • Aviation

Qantas August stats show almost three-quarters of its flights depart on time

Qantas has reported it was the most on-time major domestic airline in August, with almost three-quarters of flights departing on time. According to the latest government data, 74.7 per cent of Qantas flights (Qantas and QantasLink combined) departed on time last month. The result was a slight improvement on Qantas’ July performance and nearly three […]

  • Appointments
  • News
  • Tour Operators

TTC names Melissa DaSilva interim CEO of TTC Tour Brands

The Travel Corporation has announced the appointment of Melissa DaSilva as interim CEO of TTC Tour Brands, effective immediately. DaSilva, who most recently served as president of TTC Tour Brands North America and brings more than three decades of travel industry expertise to her new role, succeeds Gavin Tollman who will exit the business when […]

  • Attractions
  • Food & Beverage

il Mercato Centrale Melbourne launches with full lineup of artisanal food outlets

Melburnians can now be transported to Italy, thanks to il Mercato Centrale which has opened in Collins Street and is set to serve thousands of visitors in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. There is a wide range of culinary offerings, all under one roof, as well as entertainment, free community events and monthly artisan masterclasses. […]

  • Events

Business Events Victoria encourages applications for regional business events funding

Business Events Victoria is encouraging conference and event organisers to apply and make the most of all regional Victoria has to offer. The funding is part of the Regional Business Events Program, which is being delivered by Business Events Victoria in partnership with Melbourne Convention Bureau. The program supports national and international businesses to host […]