‘Adaptability remains key right now as markets gradually re-open’

The year 2020 has seen the COVID-19 pandemic affect several industries, including aviation. The industry that usually connects people across the globe was facing minimal movement. However, this industry has evolved during this crisis. What we see today and will continue to see in the coming months is the ‘new normal’ that has gradually emerged. The situation remains dynamic - countries are lifting restrictions, issuing guidelines and opening borders at different times depending on the situation. Adaptability remains key right now as markets gradually re-open.

We have been working closely with the UAE government and global aviation authorities to ensure we gradually grow our network. However severe the impact of the global pandemic might be, it will not deter our commitment towards India, our largest and busiest market, and one where we’ve been operating in over the last sixteen years.

Some interesting trends that were on the rise last year and will continue being a focus include:

Accelerated digitisation: Digitally enabled experiences are at the core of air travel journeys today. Due to the pandemic, there has been an accelerated growth in digitizing experiences and ensuring contactless travel for guests, with the safety and wellness of our guests and teams in mind. Etihad has built on its tech-driven approach and introduced various measures to provide maximum support to guests when not only they travel but also when they plan their journeys with interactive travel maps, contactless check-in and risk assessment tools, among others.

Going green: Sustainability is going to play an even bigger role in a post-COVID-19 world. While commercial aviation still only represents around 2 per cent of global human-made CO2 emissions, the airlines and infrastructure that support them and can adapt to meet the needs of a sustainable, carbon-neutral operation are those that will survive and lead the future of flying. Etihad remains at the forefront to pioneer new and effective ways of mitigating aviation’s environmental impact to reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner and more sustainable transportation for future generations.

Etihad has been nimble which has allowed us to pivot and meet the challenges of the current crisis. We will continue to stay agile, which has greatly helped us in managing business operations better. With an increased emphasis on wellness in the coming year, Etihad will continue its initiatives that focus on passenger wellness and safety throughout their journey.