Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said yesterday that its third quarter revenues grew by 39 per cent to $1.1 billion.
Passenger numbers increased by 18 per cent to 2.25 million while its load factor rose by 3.8 points to 80.7 per cent. Its operating costs grew by 12 per cent in the quarter and its non-fuel costs rose by 7 per cent.
This was a record quarterly result from the airline, which is owned by the ruling family in Abu Dhabi. Dublin was one of its best performing routes in the period.
Etihad flies from Dublin to Abu Dhabi 10 times a week. It is the only airline operating from Ireland to the Middle East although this position will change when Dubai rival Emirates starts flying from Dublin in January.