Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways achieved revenues of $2.9bn in 2010, a 29.2 per cent increase on the previous year.

In 2009, the airline recorded revenues of $2.3bn. The increase in revenues reflects Etihad’s goal of breaking even in 2011 and reaching profitability in 2012.

Passenger numbers rose above seven million for the first time. Total passenger traffic for the year increased 13.1 per cent to just under 7.1 million. This is partly due to the launch of seven new destinations in 2010, including Alexandria, Baghdad, Colombo, Erbil, Nagoya, Seoul and Tokyo. Etihad also took delivery of six new aircraft, making a total fleet size of 57 aircraft.

In terms of cargo, revenues increased 57.4 per cent compared to 2009 figures. Etihad took delivery of two Airbus freight aircraft and started a new cargo route to Beijing (MEED 4:8:10).

Etihad is expected to take delivery of 61 Airbus aircraft and 45 Boeing aircraft by 2020.