15 years of Etihad Airways: milestones in the growth of an airline

More than 139 million passengers have taken to the skies with an extraordinary airline launched in the UAE capital on November 5, 2003

Emirati officials pose in front of the new carrier "Etihad", or "Unity", at a ceremonial flight in Al Ain on 3 November 2003. The airline launched commercial operations with a direct service to Beirut. AFP

Etihad cargo launched in 2004.

Toronto was one of the new routes Etihad launched in 2005.

Etihad Guest, the airline's loyalty programme, launched in 2006.

In 2007, Etihad was announced as the official sponsor for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. AFP

Etihad route launches for 2008 included Beijing, Moscow, Chennai, Kozhikode and Almaty. REUTERS/Jason Lee

Etihad opens the new, dedicated Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Alamy

Colombo was one one of the new routes Etihad launched in 2010; others included Baghdad, Erbil, Seoul and Tokyo.

A 10-year partnership deal was signed with Manchester City FC and included naming rights for the club’s stadium and campus and shirt sponsorship. Alamy

In its 10th year, Etihad carries a record 10 million passengers. Here, an Airbus A380-800 rolls out of a hangar in Hamburg. Reuters

Etihad route launches for 2013 included Washington DC and Belgrade, Serbia. 

In 2014, Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A380, showcasing the all-new cabins: The Residence, First Apartments, Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats. AFP

In 2015, the US pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport launches for operate for all US-bound Etihad flights. The airline has a separate mini-lounge for business-class passengers inside the US pre-clearance area. Courtesy Etihad

In 2016, Etihad Airways launches its mobile android app and rolls out initiatives to ease check-in including economy class early check-in counters, online and mobile check in and Abu Dhabi International Airports’ “Smart Travel". Alamy

Etihad's route to Baku, Azerbaijan, was launched in 2017. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

In 2018, Etihad Aviation Training, the training arm of Etihad Aviation Group, is launched with the aim of becoming one of the most comprehensive aviation training facilities in the world. AFP

Since launching commercial operations with a direct route to Beirut, Etihad Airways now flies to a total of 84 destinations with a fleet of 110 aircraft. Since its launch in November 2003, the airline has carried a total of over 139 million passengers on almost almost a million flights. Etihad's fleet now includes 10 A380s and 20 787s, and the average age of its aircraft is 6.1 years. The airline has 22,594 employees, of 152 nationalities.

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