UAE airline Etihad Airways is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of guest experience enhancements throughout November.
The celebratory enhancements include a new in-flight culinary menu featuring dishes inspired by the airline’s home region as well as customised items reflecting the destinations Etihad flies to.
The airline also distributes retro-inspired amenity kits in First and Business class which are inspired by the iconic 2003 aircraft livery and contain travel-size beauty products from the renowned skincare label ESPA.
Economy passengers on medium and long-haul flights receive a limited-edition foldable shopping-style bags that come with in-flight essentials such as blankets, Beekman hand cream, themed eye shades, earplugs and toothbrush kits.
Etihad’s first commercial flight to Beirut took place in 2003 and its inception, Etihad has undergone substantial growth, increasing its staff from 1,761 employees in 2004 to nearly 10,000 in 2023, growing its Etihad Guest loyalty programme, expanding its fleet to 79 aircraft and increasing its destinations to over 70 around the world.
Etihad’s celebrations have also included illuminating the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai with a spectacular light and sound show to celebrate the airline’s history and ambitions.
Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We wish to express our profound pride in Etihad as we turn 20, and what could be more fitting than commemorating our journey on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Our journey so far has been about more than flights, it has been about bringing people and cultures together, creating strong connections, and making Abu Dhabi a key travel hub.
“Looking ahead, we have big plans. By 2030, we aim to double our fleet and welcome three times as many guests, reaching 33 million people each year. We will increase visitors to our home Abu Dhabi and continue to connect travellers across the globe through our growing network.”
