Etihad Airways History: 2003 to Today – Airline Employee Shop

Etihad Airways History

Etihad Airways went from two Airbus A330s in 2003 to Abu Dhabi's global long-haul airline, famous for its A380 Residence. Here's a short history of Etihad Airways, plus the Etihad Airways collection that celebrates them.

A standing start (2003-2004)

Etihad was created by Amiri decree in July 2003 as the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan founded it with AED 500 million in start-up capital. Etihad means "union" or "unity" in Arabic, a nod to the seven emirates. On November 5, 2003, a ceremonial Airbus A330-200 flight from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain marked the launch. Commercial service began on November 12, 2003, with flights to Beirut, using two A330-200s. In June 2004 Etihad placed an $8 billion order for Boeing 777s and Airbus aircraft, including 10 A380s.

Fast growth and big stakes (2005-2014)

Etihad reported its first full-year net profit, of $14 million, for 2011. It also bought stakes in other airlines: 29.21% of Air Berlin in December 2011, 49% of Jat Airways (later Air Serbia) and 24% of Jet Airways in 2013, and 49% of Alitalia in 2014. In September 2014 the "Facets of Abu Dhabi" livery debuted on the first new A380, which was delivered that December with The Residence cabin.

A reset (2015-today)

In October 2015 Etihad grouped its partners as Etihad Airways Partners, which ended in 2018. Losses mounted, and in 2017 both Alitalia and Air Berlin filed for bankruptcy. Etihad cancelled large aircraft orders in 2019, and the pandemic grounded most flights in 2020. In October 2022 the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund ADQ took ownership. From 2023 the A380 returned on routes including London Heathrow, New York JFK and Paris. Etihad flies from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, with more than 100 aircraft in 2025. Its staff grew from 1,761 in 2004 to nearly 10,000 in 2023.

A few things collectors love

  • The Residence: a three-room suite with a living room, bedroom and bathroom, the only three-room cabin on any airline when it launched in December 2014.
  • The "Facets of Abu Dhabi" livery, which debuted in September 2014 on the airline's first new A380.
  • Boarding passes for the first Al Ain flight read "inaugural flight."

Shop Etihad Airways

Browse Etihad Airways logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Etihad Airways collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for your next trip.

AirlineEmployeeShop.com is an independent retailer of airline memorabilia. This page is for historical interest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etihad Airways.