Etihad Airways (EY)

The UAE airline is seeing record growth in passenger traffic, driven by an aggressive expansion strategy. This momentum is underpinned by an increase in seat capacity and the optimisation of its connecting hubs. As a result, it is attracting an ever-growing international customer base. The airline's success can be attributed to increased frequencies on key routes and the opening of new strategic destinations. By adjusting its flight schedules, Etihad Airways is able to maintain a particularly high load factor, a sign of a perfect match between its offering and market demand. To support this growing flow of travellers, Etihad Airways is continuing to renew its fleet with next-generation aircraft that are more fuel-efficient. This rollout enables more efficient rotations and improves the onboard customer experience. Combining operational performance with the expansion of its direct routes, Etihad Airways is establishing itself as a major player in air transport in 2026.

Etihad Airways is enhancing its technology offering and continuing its strategy of improving the passenger experience by selecting the Amara connectivity solution, developed by Viasat, to equip its entire commercial fleet. This large-scale deployment covers more than 160 aircraft, including the Airbus A321LR and A350 as well as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which are central to the airline’s long-haul operations.

Amara technology is built on a multi-orbit architecture capable of combining geostationary and low-Earth-orbit satellites. This configuration ensures a more stable high-speed connection, even on the most remote routes or those subject to significant fluctuations in traffic. Etihad will therefore be able to offer a next-generation Wi-Fi experience, suited to streaming, professional use and the advanced digital services now expected by travellers. Through this expanded partnership, Etihad Airways is reaffirming its ambition to enhance the value of its premium offering while aligning with the industry’s latest standards. The integration of Amara connectivity will also support the development of connected onboard services, whether personalised streaming entertainment or operational digital tools for crew members.