Etihad Airways strengthens flight management systems with Amadeus technology

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced a new deal with Amadeus to transform its global load control system. The partnership will be launched worldwide to support Etihad Airways’ ongoing mission to improve operational capabilities and efficiencies.

Etihad Airways will use Amadeus Altéa Departure Control Flight Management to improve productivity with increased automation and integration, in order to better manage capacity and reduce costs. These new capabilities will be key at the new Midfield terminal in Abu Dhabi, which is expected to have an annual capacity of 30 million passengers when opened to the public. The solution will enable the airline’s centralised load control function to effectively communicate directly with the aircraft dispatcher using the latest mobile smart devices - improving communication and efficiencies in handling last minute changes. 

John Wright, VP Global Airport and Network Operations, Etihad Airways, said: “As an innovative airline, Etihad is always looking for technological solutions that work efficiently across different platforms to drive operational performance by increasing productivity and reducing costs. By partnering with Amadeus, Etihad will be able to more comprehensively automate the load control process – the key to optimsed load distribution, safe flights and preventing costly delays.” 

Amadeus’ solution will analyse the passenger and cargo load more precisely, automatically defining the optimal aircraft load distribution whilst being able to more accurately calculate the precise fuel for every flight. 

Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Airlines, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Amadeus added: “Amadeus is committed to enabling airlines to grow and optimise their operations through technology. Today’s sophisticated airline systems are connected like never before with much simpler management so carriers such as Etihad Airways can boost productivity, reduce the cost of travel and keep customers happy.”

The partnership builds on Etihad’s technology and innovation strategy of deploying industry-first initiatives to offer travellers memorable journeys. Last year, the airline recorded network punctuality of 82 per cent for flight departures, while on-time performance for departures at the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub was 79 per cent, positioning the airline as one of the most reliable in the world.

Etihad was also one of the 15 airlines that signed a 10-year framework agreement with Amadeus for distribution services in 2017, negotiated and led by the Arab Air Carriers Association (AACO).