Etihad plans to raise $2b for fleet deliveries in 2014

Etihad will take delivery of 18 aircraft this year that include 10 Airbus aircraft and eight Boeing planes.

James Hogan speaking at a financial roadshow in New York. — Supplied photo

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, recently announced that the airline is looking to raise $2 billion to finance its fleet deliveries in 2014 which will include its first A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

The announcement was made soon after the airline’s latest edition of its highly successful financial roadshows in New York and London. Etihad will take delivery of 18 aircraft this year that include 10 Airbus aircraft and eight Boeing planes, a statement from the airline said.

Led by James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, and supported by James Rigney, chief financial officer, and Ricky Thirion, group treasurer, the roadshows welcomed more than 400 representatives from many of the world’s largest financial institutions, lessors and other partners. The roadshows are conducted annually in major global and regional financial centres including New York, London and Sydney, and offer an ideal opportunity for the airline to brief the world’s leading financiers about its expansion strategy as well as deepen existing ties.

Hogan said: “Etihad Airways continues to expand its relationships with financial institutions in markets around the world, which in turn play a crucial role in the expansion of the airline’s global network and fleet of aircraft. The financial institutions view Etihad Airways as a strong counterparty, that is financially stable with a strong track record in safety, and we are always eager to spend time with them to communicate our latest developments.”

Earlier this month Etihad Airways announced a record net profit of $62 million in 2013, up 48 per cent, marking the third successive year of net profitability. The airline also generated revenues of more than $6 billion last year. Etihad Airways has raised more than $8 billion in funding from 68 financial institutions during the past 10 years to finance aircraft and engines.

In addition to expanding the relationships with lessors and lending institutions, Etihad Airways has an efficient risk management policy to manage the financial risks related to fuel price, foreign exchange, interest rates and emissions. This has enhanced the airline’s reputation for successful fiscal discipline and cost control.

• business@khaleejtimes.com