It started with an initial paid-up capital of AED500 million.
Services were launched with a ceremonial flight to Al Ain on 5 November 2003.
On 2 July 2017, the United States Department of Homeland Security unbanned Etihad Airways and exempted Etihad Airways from the 2017 electronics ban after the airline enhanced its passenger screening processes.
Etihad is governed by a board of directors chaired by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan being the vice chairman and operates in terms of its founding legislation and the Article of Association of the Company.
Etihad Cargo has previously operated a Boeing 747-8F and Boeing 747-400F, both leased from Atlas Air but operated in full Etihad Cargo colours.
In September 2012, the Indian government announced that foreign airlines could take a stake of up to 49% in Indian carriers.
The airline was led by James Hogan (formerly CEO of Gulf Air) who was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer on 10 September 2006.
Etihad's equity alliance is composed of airlines in which Etihad has minority shareholdings: The sponsorship also includes renaming the East Stand at the Twickenham Stoop (the home of Harlequins) to the Etihad Stand.
Because the team was purchased by the chairman of another airline (Vijay Mallya, of India's Kingfisher Airlines), Etihad switched to Scuderia Ferrari.
Etihad Airways has received over 30 awards since its inauguration in 2003.