In 2014, Etihad bought the ailing Alitalia with the promise of making it “the sexiest airline in Europe” (in the words of then-CEO of Etihad, James Hogan). The rest is well known.

Several management teams thereafter, an out-of-court settlement between the Italian state and Etihad for a compensation payment of 300 million EUR for the mismanagement at that time has now been reached.

What does this historical digression have to do with frequent flyers today? In 2024, Etihad recorded a record profit of 476 million USD – which shows that the margin for the airline is becoming very narrow in view of the amount to be paid. And frequent flyers will certainly have to contribute their part. Miracles from Etihad Guest are unlikely to happen anytime soon.