Etihad fails to boost cargo volumes in 'very tough' environment

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Etihad has acknowledged the difficult business environment – but failed to note intense competition in the Gulf from neighbouring carriers. In a statement, outgoing president and chief executive James Hogan said 2016 had been a year of sustained growth in a “very tough” business environment.

While Etihad has yet to release its full-year report, Mr Hogan said passenger traffic increased 8% year-on-year, but with just 592,700 tonnes carried, cargo volumes failed to grow. Mr Hogan added that 2017 would be another challenging year. “But we remain optimistic and believe our business model will succeed and, most importantly, stand the test of time.”