Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE. It was established in July 2003 by a royal decree from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE, with an initial capital investment of AED 500 million.

The airline was created with the strategic vision to transform Abu Dhabi into a major global aviation hub and to diversify the emirate's economy beyond oil and gas. Etihad commenced operations in November 2003 with a ceremonial inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, followed shortly by commercial services starting to Beirut, Lebanon.

From its inception, Etihad Airways pursued rapid growth, expanding its route network and fleet aggressively. Within its first year, it served several regional and international destinations and continued to add new routes almost monthly.

The airline became known for its focus on luxury, innovation, and hospitality, quickly establishing itself as a premium carrier. By 2004, Etihad placed a significant order valued at $8 billion for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including wide-body jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, further demonstrating its ambitions in the global aviation market.

Etihad distinguished itself through a focus on customer experience, modern fleet composition, and a broad network covering over 120 destinations worldwide by 2025.

The airline is a subsidiary of the Etihad Aviation Group and remains fully owned by the government of Abu Dhabi through its investment vehicle.

Over its history, Etihad Airways has gained a reputation for excellence in safety, service, and operational performance, contributing significantly to the development of Abu Dhabi as an international business and tourism destination.