Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, founded in 2003 by royal decree and headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It operates a global network spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia, positioning Abu Dhabi as a major international aviation hub. The airline is known for its premium cabin offerings, including its flagship 'The Residence' three-room suite aboard the Airbus A380, and has consistently ranked among the world's leading carriers for service quality. Etihad also pursued an aggressive equity alliance strategy in the 2010s, taking stakes in airlines such as Air Berlin, Alitalia, and Virgin Australia, though many of these partnerships ultimately proved financially unsuccessful. Etihad has undergone significant restructuring since 2017, scaling back its equity partnership model and refocusing on core operations. The airline has modernized its fleet and strategy, aiming for sustainable profitability while maintaining its reputation for premium hospitality.