Etihad expects to report EBITDAR profit in 2010
Etihad Airways has issued a statement that it expects to report profitable earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and rentals (EBITDAR) for 2010, marking "an important step forward in the airline's journey towards full break-even in 2011 and profitability in 2012".
CEO James Hogan, speaking at a financial roadshow in London, stated: "Etihad's financial road-shows are part of the airline's commercial fund-raising program, largely in support of its aircraft financing. The majority of the financing for the airline's fleet is raised on the commercial markets and Etihad regularly updates the financial community on the performance of the business."
There was no hint of plans for an IPO in the near term. Mr Hogan stated" "There has been recent interest in the issue of export credit guarantees, but for Etihad this has always been only a small element of our aircraft financing strategy. The large majority of our financing comes from commercial agreements and it is important for international institutions to understand the performance of the business."
The Etihad CEO stated the airline would reach full break-even next year, despite "heavy investment in new routes, fleet and infrastructure". He concluded: "Etihad is an airline with ambitious plans for the future. But all of those plans are grounded in solid commercial foundations. Our shareholder expects a return and we will deliver that return."
Separately, Abu Dhabi Airports Company stated passenger traffic during the Formula 1 week (07-Nov-to 13-Nov) increased 16% year-on-year.
In trading on Friday, South Africa's 1Time slipped 2.4%, Kenya Airways fell 2.1% and Air Arabia eased 1.5%.
Selected African and Middle Eastern airlines share price movements: (% change): 26-Nov-2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, Reuters & Bloomberg