Etihad Airways Ready for IPO, and More

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Etihad CEO Confirms Technical Readiness for $1 Billion IPO as Final Call Remains with Shareholder

Etihad Airways CEO says that the airline is technically prepared for an initial public offering, though the final decision rests with its shareholder, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund ADQ.

This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about the timing of what would be the first major airline IPO in the Gulf region in nearly two decades, with previous reports indicating the carrier might be valued at around $7 billion.

The airline has demonstrated strong financial performance in recent years, potentially positioning itself attractively for investors.

Key Points

• The IPO could raise approximately $1 billion by selling a 20% stake to fund expansion plans

• Etihad expects 15-20% growth in 2025 and plans to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft this year

• The carrier aims to reach 170 aircraft in the coming years by adding about 20 planes annually

• Despite market volatility from US tariffs and fluctuating oil prices, the airline continues its growth strategy

• The proceeds would directly finance the airline's "Journey 2030" expansion strategy rather than benefiting its parent company

What It Means

Etihad's potential IPO represents another significant milestone in Gulf aviation as the region diversifies beyond oil dependence.

If successful, the public offering would provide substantial capital for Etihad's ambitious expansion while offering investors access to a profitable airline in a growing aviation hub.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Airbus Takes Control of Key A350 and A220 Production Facilities From Spirit AeroSystems

Airbus has finalized an agreement to acquire several key Spirit AeroSystems facilities that produce parts for its aircraft programs.

The deal includes sites in North Carolina, France, Morocco, Scotland, and Belfast that manufacture A350 fuselage sections and A220 wings.

Spirit will pay Airbus $439 million in compensation, while Airbus will provide $200 million in credit lines to support ongoing operations.

Both this transaction and Boeing's broader acquisition of Spirit are expected to close in Q3 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

3. Singapore Airlines Integrates OpenAI to Upgrade Customer and Staff Experience

Singapore Airlines has partnered with OpenAI to introduce advanced generative AI tools across its operations, marking OpenAI’s first collaboration with a major airline.

The initiative will enhance SIA’s website virtual assistant for more personalized customer support and streamline staff workflows, including automating routine queries and optimizing crew scheduling.

These AI solutions are designed to interpret text, audio, diagrams, and videos, aiming to improve operational efficiency, staff productivity, and the overall travel experience for passengers.

4. Transatlantic Tourism Decline Hits US Airlines as European Carriers Soar

US airlines are facing significant challenges in 2025 with rising operational costs and declining European tourism.

March saw a 17% drop in visitors from Western Europe, particularly from Germany and Spain.

Several carriers, including American, Delta, and Southwest, have withdrawn their 2025 financial forecasts due to economic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, European airlines are thriving with stronger profits, benefiting from lower fuel costs, high ticket prices, and robust regional demand.

This contrast highlights the diverging fortunes in global aviation as US carriers struggle with capacity issues and reduced demand.

5. Thai Airways Secures First Regional Boeing 777-300ER Modification Facility

Thai Airways signed an MOU with Kansas Modification Center to establish a joint venture converting Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into cargo freighters.

The partnership will operate at Don Mueang and Eastern Economic Corridor facilities, making Thailand the first in Southeast Asia with this capability.

KMC will bring its innovative forward cargo door technology, while the project aims to transfer advanced technology, develop local manufacturing, and support Thailand's goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.

6. India Signs Deal for $7.4 Billion Rafale-Marine Acquisition

India signed a $7.4 billion deal with France today to purchase 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for its navy.

The agreement includes four trainer aircraft, technology transfer for integrating indigenous weapons, and a production facility for Rafale fuselages.

This acquisition will enhance India's naval capabilities, reduce dependence on Russian equipment, and strengthen surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets, and this naval variant will complement India's two aircraft carriers.

Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2030.

7. Boeing Reallocates Engineering Resources from X-66A to Commercial Aircraft

Boeing and NASA have paused their $1.15 billion X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, which aimed to test fuel-efficient aircraft design with long, thin wings supported by aerodynamic struts.

Instead of proceeding with the flight program, they'll focus on ground-based testing of the thin-wing technology, which could reduce fuel consumption by over 30%.

Boeing is also redirecting engineers to address production challenges with its 777X and 737 MAX aircraft.

The project isn't permanently shelved, with all design work and hardware being retained for potential future development.

8. Embraer Brings High-Efficiency Aerial Spraying Solution to Agrishow 2025

Embraer is showcasing its ethanol-powered Ipanema 203 agricultural aircraft at the 30th Agrishow in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, running from April 28 to May 2, 2025.

The crop sprayer, which has sold over 180 units in the past three years, can treat more than 200 hectares per hour with efficiency equivalent to four ground sprayers.

This productivity can boost crop yields by up to 15 bags per hectare without soil damage or pest spread.

The event features 800+ exhibitors and expects 195,000 visitors.

9. Cormorant Aerospace Readies Hybrid Aircraft for 2025 Testing

Dutch startup Cormorant Aerospace is preparing for its first test flights of a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator in 2025, with hydrogen-powered operational tests scheduled for 2026.

The eight-passenger eSTOL aircraft can operate on land and water with a range of up to 400 kilometers using hydrogen fuel.

After self-financing development, Cormorant is now seeking external investment to refine its prototype.

The company uses a practical hybrid approach combining batteries with a sustainable fuel turbogenerator, designed for easier certification while allowing future adaptation to newer technologies.

10. Korean Conglomerates Join Forces to Advance Urban Air Mobility Solutions

Hanjin Group and LS Group signed an MOU to collaborate on urban air mobility initiatives.

Hanjin will focus on air traffic management and flight operations, while LS will develop charging stations and communication systems.

The partnership aims to create synergy across multiple sectors, including aerospace, smart factories, and eco-friendly transportation.

The global UAM market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040.