Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways claims it will post positive earnings for 2010, and that it remains on course for an overall break-even next year.
The airline states that it will turn profitable at the EBITDAR level this year.
Etihad chief executive James Hogan presented the forecast to financial institutions in London and said the carrier would be fully profitable in 2012.
The Abu Dhabi based operator has not posted a profit since being established seven years ago.
Etihad's backers have undertaken heavy investment in the carrier's fleet and its network development.
Hogan says the carrier is "well on track" for profitable EBITDAR in 2010, adding: "Our next goal is full break-even in 2011, leading to sustainable profitability from 2012 onwards.
"All our indicators show that these targets are in our sights."
Hogan says that Etihad's shareholder "expects a return" and that the airline "will deliver that return".
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
