Etihad upgrades a couple to The Residence to celebrate 20 million passengers flown in 2025

When it comes to milestones, all airlines take a different approach. Still, one of the most enjoyable airlines to be around these days is Etihad, which has been on the upswing after a period of decline throughout much of the last decade. The airline has been doing fun things with the loyalty programme (apart from tightening the rules to the hilt), but also has retained a soul, where it is not a stickler for the rules at all costs (a challenge that most airlines face these days as they grow). Anyhow, the airline just hit a 20 million passengers flown milestone for 2025, and they celebrated it with a bang, for a couple, something I think was worth writing about.

Etihad’s new milestone, 20 million passengers

Etihad continues to soar with a record-breaking year, reaching new milestones for the first time in the airline’s history. The airline, which flew just 10 million passengers in 2022, reached a new milestone of 20 million passengers flown in 2025 (and we are not even halfway through the year yet).

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, commented,

The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing rate. Following a record Q1, with AED 685 million profit and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20 million guests in the last year, for the first time in the airline’s history.

We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth story that has seen our annual passenger numbers more than double from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years. This sustained growth is driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus. We are the only airline in the region growing at this pace and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our biggest year yet.

To celebrate flying 20 million passengers worldwide, Etihad surprised one lucky couple travelling from New Delhi to visit their daughters in Toronto with a series of surprises. Mr and Mrs Chopra were surprised with upgrades throughout their trip, which began with a lie-flat Business class experience on Etihad’s A350 from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi. “We have never travelled in Business or First before […] It’s a lifetime experience – a once in a lifetime achievement [for us]!” exclaimed Mr Chopra. They certainly did get lucky, as the Etihad A350-1000 features a marvellous Business Class cabin. Read my review here.

When they touched down at AUH, the two were delighted with an upgrade to Etihad Guest’s Gold tier status at the First Lounge by Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest.

Saving the best for last, Mr and Mrs Chopra were gifted upgrades to The Residence on their A380 flight from Abu Dhabi to Toronto. “Oh wow – thank you very much! This is an excellent surprise, unforgettable! Thank you, Etihad – we feel like celebrities right now, thank you!” The couple shared as they were welcomed into The Residence by the crew.

Now, this is the part I am insanely jealous about. I’ve flown the Etihad First (the Apartments, as well as the earlier 777 version) a load of times, but I’ve never scored such an “Upgrade”. Etihad seems to be easier recently with “The Residence”, sometimes even offering an upgrade here and there when the flight is empty. Remember, “The Residence” used to be the space where bloggers have run GoFundMe campaigns in the past to buy tickets. Someday!

The airline also did a great job putting together a video of the three surprises they had lined up for this couple, which, mind you, I’m still in awe of, because they seem to have had the perfect travel day and didn’t see it coming. To be upgraded from Etihad Economy to Etihad First Residence, now that is something!

Etihad’s expansion continues, with the airline now operating up to 100 aircraft.

Achieving another milestone, Etihad has introduced three more aircraft to its expanding fleet, bringing the operational fleet size to over 100 aircraft. The airline welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 to service and received a brand-new Boeing B787-9 delivered from Charleston, US, with an all-Emirati flight crew. Etihad also received the first of three brand-new Airbus A350-1000s delivered today (July 18).

The airline expects to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including the delivery of its new A321LR fleet, which will enter service from August 1. Refining luxury, the new A321LR fleet will offer First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens, and high-speed super Wi-Fi in all cabins, allowing guests to stay connected via messages, calls, and streaming while in the air. Earlier this year, Etihad announced the order of 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth, connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience.

These achievements represent a significant step toward the goals Etihad set out in its ambitious growth strategy, which aims to expand the network to more than 125 destinations, increase the fleet to over 170 aircraft, and reach 38 million passengers per year by 2030. With rapid growth in every direction, the airline is poised to exceed the expectations of its seven-year growth plan, a testament to demand and exceptional customer satisfaction. Etihad’s success is a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s strong aviation sector, which continues to demonstrate robust growth and strategic momentum, underscoring its position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo.

Bottomline

Etihad celebrated a significant milestone, doubling the number of passengers flown from 10 million to 20 million, by surprising an unsuspecting couple from India, travelling from Delhi to Toronto, not just to Business Class, but to the uber-exclusive The Residence. The airline also upgraded them to the Gold Tier of their loyalty programme, which is a pretty good place to be in.

What do you make of Etihad’s surprise for their travellers?

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