Etihad expects more than 7.3 million pax in 2010; load factors of 77%

Etihad Airways stated it has witnessed a sales increase of 20% with Etihad Country Manager for Malaysia Jeffy Lim adding that the carrier is "in line with the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP)" (btimes, 02-Dec-2010). Etihad is targeting an increase in passenger numbers from 6.3 million in 2009 to more than 7.3 million in 2010 with the carrier expecting load factors to improve from 74% in 2009 to 77% in 2010. The carrier has increased its network from 928 weekly services to more than 1000 in 2010, representing growth of 12% year-on-year. The carrier added that it is cautiously optimistic for the aviation industry for 2011.