Etihad Airways plans expansion in China and Africa

The Abu Dhabi airline is looking to boost traffic flows and close any gaps in its network, according to James Hogan.

An Etihad Airways A380 aircraft at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline is looking to fly to more cities in China. Silvia Razgova / The National

DUBLIN // Etihad Airways plans to expand in China and Africa to boost traffic flows and close any gaps in its network, James Hogan, the chief executive of the airline’s parent group, said on Tuesday.

Speaking in Dublin ahead of the International Air Travel Association annual general meeting, he said: “With the exception of China, there aren’t too many gaps that we have in the network.” Africa and China are two big markets with significant traffic flows, he said.

Etihad had asked to fly into secondary cities in China, according Mr Hogan.

“If we achieve those cities, then we would like to do more flying into China,” he said, without naming those destinations.

Speaking about Africa, Mr Hogan said he would like to expand there but the regula­tory process is difficult. Asked if Etihad would invest in the continent’s poor infrastructure, Mr Hogan said: “No – well, never say never”.

Moving ahead over the next 24 months, Etihad will focus on deepening its network and adding more frequencies on existing routes. “You won’t see too many new cities than what we have,” he said.

For the US, Mr Hogan said that America’s big three airlines’ attempt last year to curb Etihad and other airlines from the Arabian Gulf from flying more frequently to the US was unsuccessful. “As far as I am concerned, business is as usual,” he said.

Etihad has been growing its network via codeshares with other airlines and through its equity investments. It holds min­ority stakes in seven airlines: Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, airberlin, Switzerland-based Etihad Regional, Virgin Australia and India’s Jet Airways.

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