Revenue increased 17 per cent to US$4.8 billion ($4.1 billion), on passenger numbers up 23 per cent to 10.3 million (8.4 million). These numbers were boosted significantly by Etihad Airways’ equity partnerships and codeshares, which delivered more than $600 million in total revenue.
“This has been a game-changing year for Etihad Airways.” James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said.
“We have delivered improved net profit, the second consecutive year we have been in the black, a remarkable achievement given the youth, ambitious growth and ongoing investment made by this airline in a challenging global economic environment.
“We have taken great strides in building the industry’s first ‘equity alliance’, with our investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus, which are contributing significant value to our business.
“And we have met our mandate of contributing to the economic development of Abu Dhabi, growing its aviation sector and building trade and tourism connections across the globe.”
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose 24 per cent to $170 million ($137 million), while EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals) rose to $753 million ($648 million), a margin of 16 per cent on total revenue.
Since Hogan joined Etihad Airways as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2006, the airline has grown from a $750 million business to one which now turns over nearly $5 billion a year.
Hogan said Etihad Airways attracted further support from the global financial community in 2012. More than 50 institutions have now provided more than $6.8 billion in cumulative funding for the airline’s ongoing expansion.
“Our bankers understand and trust our business, our vision and our potential,” he said.
During the year, growth in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) outpaced growth in available seat kilometres (ASKs) for the fourth year running. RPKs were up 23 per cent to 48 billion (39 billion), on ASKs up 20 per cent to 61 billion (51 billion), resulting in an impressive lift in seat factor of 2.4 points to 78.2 per cent (75.8 per cent).
Equity and codeshare partners delivered more than 1.2 million passengers onto the Etihad Airways network. airberlin, in which Etihad Airways holds a 29.21 per cent stake, made a very strong contribution, with more than 300,000 passengers shared between their networks, delivering more than $130 million in total to the two airlines.
Despite the increase in global oil prices during 2012, Etihad Airways minimised the impact through its rigorous fuel hedging policy. The airline hedged 80 per cent of fuel costs during the year, the same level as in 2011.
Careful cost management in all other areas of the business saw non-fuel costs per available seat kilometre (CASK) reduced by five per cent. Etihad Airways’ costs were benchmarked as being in the lowest quartile against other major, full-service airlines by independent analysts, Seabury.
“We understand how to manage costs without compromising our innovative product and outstanding service experience,” Hogan said.
“The customer is at the heart of everything we do. In 2012, it was our commitment to consistently deliver best-in-class service and product, on the ground and in the air, which resulted in such strong passenger growth and financial performance,” Hogan said.
“Etihad Airways continues to invest in its award-winning product across the network. In 2012, the airline unveiled plans for new lounges in Paris (opened in December 2012), Washington, Sydney and Melbourne.”
Hogan said cargo continued to play an important part in Etihad Airways’ success by delivering tonnage growth of 19 per cent on the back of a capacity increase of 14 per cent in available tonnage kilometres.
“Etihad Cargo is continuing to outperform the market,” Hogan said. “We are building strong momentum in international growth markets and through focused customer and product segmentation.”
Planned fleet upgrades for 2013 include 14 aircraft, with 11 passenger aircraft deliveries and three freighter deliveries.
The orders are for nine wide bodied aircraft (6 x Boeing 777-300ER passenger, 2 x Boeing 777 freighter and 1 x Airbus 330 Freighter) and five narrow body aircraft (4 x Airbus 320 and 1 x Airbus 321). These will meet Etihad Airways’ immediate growth requirements.
At the end of 2012, the company had 10,656 employees, 18 per cent up on 2011 (9,038), with more than 125 nationalities represented. The airline’s Emiratisation program for cadet pilots, engineers and graduate managers continues to be a success with 1,254 Emiratis now employed, representing 22 per cent of the core Head Office workforce.
“I am proud of our success and the enormous effort and achievements of every person working at Etihad Airways,” Hogan said.
“I am excited about what the future holds and looks forward to working with all our partners to maximise the return for our shareholder, enable the continued growth and evolution of Abu Dhabi, and create a remarkable experience for our passengers.”