Etihad to fly Double Daily

May 21, 2011

Etihad Airways will fly double daily to the Philippines in the second half of the year as it expects to increase its passenger revenues from the Philippines by 20 percent.

The airline expects to generate from US$24 million last year to $29 million this year, according to Country Manager Roberto A. Hukom. The country accounts for 6 to 8 per cent of the airlines' revenue pie.

“We are looking for other ways to do business here. After all, Manila serves as a gateway to over 300 islands. We are bringing more tourists out of Europe." says Chief Executive Officer James Hogan.

Etihad, now on its fifth year of operations in the Philippines and 7th, worldwide, employs 767 Filipinos, who make up the second largest national group in its workforce. Its Abu Dhabi Head office employs 739 Filipino staff while its outstation offices, 28. The bulk of its Filipino personnel, 540 in all, are women.

At present, overseas Filipino workers comprise the bulk of Etihad’s Philippine market.The airlines' cargo revenues are also substantial. Etihad has code sharing agreement with Philippine Airlines.