Etihad Airways’ net profit jumps 200% to $42 m

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, yesterday reported net profit of $42 million in 2012, up 200% on 2011 ($14 million) in a year which saw strong improvements in revenues, passengers numbers and cost control.

Revenue increased 17% to $4.8 billion ($4.1 billion), on passenger numbers up 23% 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.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan (left) gestures) at the media briefing on the Company’s results on Monday

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This has been a game-changing year for Etihad Airways. 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,” he added.

 “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% 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% 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 US$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% to 48 billion (39 billion), on ASKs up 20% to 61 billion (51 billion), resulting in an impressive lift in seat factor of 2.4 points to 78.2% (75.8%). 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% stake, made a very strong contribution, with more than 300,000 passengers shared between their networks, delivering more than US$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% 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%. 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.  

It also opened its first European contact centre in Manchester to support customers.  The call centre employs more than 190 staff and has answered almost half a million calls in 18 markets in nine languages since opening, bringing in more than US$20 million in revenue.

Reflecting strong customer loyalty, the airline’s frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest, passed the 1.8 million member mark during the year.  The program was strengthened with the introduction of the PointsPay solution, allowing Etihad Guest members to redeem points for cash to purchase products in 30 million outlets around the world.

Hogan said cargo continued to play an important part in Etihad Airways’ success by delivering tonnage growth of 19% on the back of a capacity increase of 14% in available tonnage kilometres.

 “I am excited about what the future holds and look 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,”  Hogan added