Revenue increased 17 per cent to US$4.8 billion (US$4.1 billion), on passenger numbers up 23 per cent to 10.3 million (8.4 million). These numbers were boosted significantly by Etihad Airways' equity partnerships and codeshares, which delivered more than US$600 million in total revenue.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This has been a game-changing year for Etihad Airways. We have delivered improved net profit, the second consecutive year we have been in the black, a remarkable achievement given the youth, ambitious growth and ongoing investment made by this airline in a challenging global economic environment. We have taken great strides in building the industry's first 'equity alliance', with our investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus, which are contributing significant value to our business. And we have met our mandate of contributing to the economic development of Abu Dhabi, growing its aviation sector and building trade and tourism connections across the globe.”

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose 24 per cent to $170 million ($137 million), while EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals) rose to $753 million ($648 million), a margin of 16 per cent on total revenue.

Since Hogan joined Etihad Airways as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2006, the airline has grown from a $750 million business to one which now turns over nearly $5 billion a year.

During the year, growth in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) outpaced growth in available seat kilometres (ASKs) for the fourth year running. RPKs were up 23 per cent to 48 billion (39 billion), on ASKs up 20 per cent to 61 billion (51 billion), resulting in an impressive lift in seat factor of 2.4 points to 78.2 per cent (75.8 per cent).

Equity and codeshare partners delivered more than 1.2 million passengers onto the Etihad Airways network.  airberlin, in which Etihad Airways holds a 29.21 per cent stake, made a very strong contribution, with more than 300,000 passengers shared between their networks, delivering more than $130 million in total to the two airlines.

Etihad Airways continues to invest in its award-winning product across the network.  In 2012, the airline unveiled plans for new lounges in Paris (opened in December 2012), Washington, Sydney and Melbourne. It also opened its first European contact centre in Manchester to support customers.  The call centre employs more than 190 staff and has answered almost half a million calls in 18 markets in nine languages since opening, bringing in more than $20 million in revenue.

Reflecting strong customer loyalty, the airline’s frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest, passed the 1.8 million member mark during the year. The program was strengthened with the introduction of the PointsPay solution, allowing Etihad Guest members to redeem points for cash to purchase products in 30 million outlets around the world.

Hogan said cargo continued to play an important part in Etihad Airways' success by delivering tonnage growth of 19 per cent on the back of a capacity increase of 14 per cent in available tonnage kilometres.

Planned fleet upgrades for 2013 include 14 aircraft, with 11 passenger aircraft deliveries and three freighter deliveries. Further, there are orders for nine wide bodied aircraft (6 x Boeing 777-300ER passenger, 2 x Boeing 777 freighter and 1 x Airbus 330 Freighter) and five narrow body aircraft (4 x Airbus 320 and 1 x Airbus 321). These will meet Etihad Airways’ immediate growth requirements.

At the end of 2012, the company had 10,656 employees, 18 per cent up on 2011 (9,038), with more than 125 nationalities represented. The airline’s Emiratisation program for cadet pilots, engineers and graduate managers continues to be a success with 1,254 Emiratis now employed, representing 22 per cent of the core Head Office workforce.