Abu Dhabi — Etihad Airways is poised to issue an initial public offering (IPO) at any moment, but the decision will be subject to a choice by its shareholder, CEO Antonoaldo Neves declared on Tuesday.
"The IPO hasn't been decided. This is a decision of the shareholders. We don't have a date for that," Neves said to reporters. "Etihad can IPO at any time. Our profitability, our performance, our tale demonstrate that. But it is not up to the management."
Rumors of an Etihad listing have been going the rounds for years. Neves' comments follow as the airline reports robust financial results. The carrier is now paying dividends, half-year results to be reported later today. Record numbers are expected by analysts.
The airline has also been recruiting staff, onboarding approximately 1,500 workers this year, including several Emiratis. Neves stated Etihad is operating programs to train UAE nationals in aviation management, engineering, and pilot training.
Etihad’s possible IPO would align with Abu Dhabi’s wider push to list state-linked companies, following several offerings from ADNOC subsidiaries.
