Etihad Airways announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet with 32 additional Airbus aircraft, further accelerating the airline’s growth and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers.
The agreement
includes a mix of A350-1000s, A350F freighters, and A330-900s through both
direct orders and lease commitments, with first deliveries beginning in 2027 – one
of the earliest widebody availability windows in the global market.
This new
commitment follows Etihad’s agreement earlier this year for 28 additional
Boeing widebody aircraft, bringing the airline’s total new widebody orders for
2025 to 60 across Airbus and Boeing.
Etihad acted
quickly to secure some of the last remaining early widebody delivery positions
worldwide, ensuring new aircraft start arriving from 2027, significantly ahead
of typical long-haul backlog timelines.
This rapid
execution reflects Etihad’s agility and expansion model, enabling the airline
to unlock competitive advantage through early access to scarce long-haul
capacity.
The combined
order provides Etihad with flexibility across medium-haul, long-haul and cargo:
· Additional A350-1000s strengthen long-haul
capacity
· A350F freighters expand Etihad Cargo’s
growing footprint in global trade flows
· A330-900s support mid-haul and regional
growth during a period of extremely constrained widebody supply
With the new
Airbus order, Etihad will operate the entire Airbus wide-body fleet, including
A380, A350 family including the freighter, and the A330neo.
Antonoaldo
Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Securing
32 additional widebodies – with deliveries beginning in 2027 – demonstrates
Etihad’s ability to move fast, secure scarce delivery positions, and stay ahead
of global capacity constraints. These commitments ensure we can continue our
growth trajectory, deliver more premium experiences, and bring even more
visitors to Abu Dhabi.
“These
agreements reflect our confidence in Abu Dhabi's aviation future and our
commitment to positioning the emirate as one of the world's leading hubs.
Etihad's incredible growth, underpinned by strategic fleet investments,
continues to deliver sustainable value while bringing millions of visitors to
Abu Dhabi each year. Our partnership with Airbus remains central to achieving
our long-term vision.
“With 60 new
widebody aircraft ordered this year across Airbus and Boeing, we are building
one of the most modern, efficient and flexible long-haul fleets in the world.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared vision we have for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond. The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.” -TradeArabia News Service
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