Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet, confirming an additional 32 Airbus aircraft as the airline accelerates its growth strategy and strengthens its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers.
The latest commitment brings Etihad’s total new widebody orders for 2025 to 60 across Airbus and Boeing.
The agreement covers a mix of A350-1000s, A350F freighters and A330-900s, secured through a blend of direct orders and lease commitments.
Etihad announces Airbus order
First deliveries begin in 2027, representing one of the earliest widebody availability windows in today’s constrained global aircraft market.
The announcement follows Etihad’s agreement earlier this year for 28 additional Boeing widebody aircraft.
Together, the combined order allows the airline to build out a modern, flexible fleet spanning long-haul, medium-haul and cargo operations.
Etihad said it moved quickly to secure some of the last early widebody delivery positions worldwide, ensuring new aircraft arrive from 2027 – significantly ahead of typical long-haul backlogs.
The airline said this agility supports its expansion model and gives it competitive advantage through early access to scarce long-haul capacity.
Under the combined Airbus agreement:
- Additional A350-1000s will strengthen Etihad’s long-haul network
- A350F freighters expand Etihad Cargo’s presence in global trade lanes
- A330-900s will support mid-haul and regional expansion during a period of tight widebody supply
Fleet expansion
With this new order, Etihad will operate the entire Airbus widebody family, including the A380, A350 (passenger and freighter variants) and the A330neo.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO 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.”
Etihad continues to enhance its premium onboard experience, with all new aircraft – including those announced today – set to feature the airline’s next-generation First, Business and enhanced Economy cabins, as well as Viasat high-speed internet.
These upgrades are part of a wider retrofit and cabin modernisation programme designed to deliver a consistent, world-class experience across a rapidly expanding fleet.
Follow us on
