Etihad says it will add $9.6b to Abu Dhabi economy in 2016

Etihad Aviation Group and its minority-owned airlines will contribute $9.6b to the Abu Dhabi economy in 2016, it said Tuesday. The Abu Dhabi government-owned group, which includes Etihad Airways, and the equity airlines, will support 91,700 jobs in the emirate, according to research by Oxford Economics, Etihad said. The figures include contributions that relate directly to Etihad’s activities and indirect impact relating to activity and employment supported in the supply chain. Etihad and its partners’ combined direct economic contribution will be $7.4b this year, with Etihad contributing $6.8b. The total economic impact will nearly double by 2024 to $18.2b while there will be a more than threefold increase in the number of jobs supported. Etihad said the commissioned report “recognises” its “central role” in Abu Dhabi. “The figures demonstrate the success of Etihad Aviation Group’s equity investment strategy in terms of a positive impact on its home of Abu Dhabi,” the statement said. Etihad, the Middle East’s third largest carrier, has bought up minority stakes in seven airlines from Australia to Europe to help build a intercontinental network feeding through its Abu Dhabi hub.<br/>