Etihad Airways finance road-shows attract leading bankers, financiers in New York and London

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has hosted the latest edition of its highly successful financial road-shows in New York and London, attracting a record number of guests. Led by James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, supported by James Rigney, Chief Financial Officer and Ricky Thirion, Group Treasurer, the road-shows welcomed more than four hundred representatives from many of the world's largest financial institutions, lessors and other partners. The road-shows are conducted annually in major global and regional financial centres including New York, London and Sydney, and offer an ideal opportunity for the airline to brief the world's leading financiers about its expansion strategy as well as deepening existing ties. The airline is looking to raise US$2 billion to finance its fleet deliveries in 2014 which will include its first A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft. James Hogan said, "Etihad Airways continues to expand its relationships with financial institutions in markets around the world, which in turn play a crucial role in the expansion of the airline's global network and fleet of aircraft. "The financial institutions view Etihad Airways as a strong counterparty, that is financially stable with a strong track record in safety, and we are always eager to spend time with them to communicate our latest developments." Earlier this month, Etihad Airways announced a record net profit of US$62 million in 2013, up 48 percent, marking the third successive year of net profitability. The airline also generated revenues of more than US$6 billion last year. The company has raised more than US$8 billion in funding from 68 financial institutions over the past 10 years to finance aircraft and engines. – Emirates News Agency, WAM