Editing Etihad Airways (section)

==== History of Etihad Airways ====
'''Foundation and Early Years'''

Etihad Airways was established by a '''decree from the government of Abu Dhabi''' in '''2003''', with its inaugural flight taking off on '''November 5, 2003''', from Abu Dhabi to '''Al Ain''', a city within the UAE. The airline’s formation was part of Abu Dhabi’s strategic efforts to diversify its economy, which had previously been heavily dependent on oil exports.

The airline’s name, “Etihad,” translates to “Union” in Arabic, reflecting the unity of the UAE’s emirates and the airline's goal to bridge cultures and continents. Etihad began its operations with just two aircraft, and quickly expanded its fleet and routes to cater to both the growing demand for air travel in the Middle East and its goal of offering premium services for international travelers.

'''Rapid Expansion and Global Recognition'''

From its humble beginnings, Etihad grew rapidly, becoming known for its high-quality service, innovative approach, and luxurious offerings. Over the years, the airline expanded its route network across the globe, adding destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. It became one of the major competitors to other Gulf carriers like '''Emirates''' and '''Qatar Airways'''.

In 2009, Etihad became a full member of the '''Arabian Air Carriers Organization''', which further cemented its presence in the Middle Eastern aviation industry. Etihad's '''premium cabins''', '''innovative inflight services''', and modern fleet contributed to its strong reputation. The airline quickly became known for its '''First Class suites''', '''Business Class pods''', and '''luxury lounges'''.

Etihad's aggressive expansion strategy also included acquiring stakes in various international carriers, such as '''Air Berlin''', '''Jet Airways''', '''Alitalia''', and '''Virgin Australia''', although this strategy has seen some reevaluation in recent years. These investments helped Etihad strengthen its position within the global aviation market, facilitating code-sharing and broader network connectivity.