Etihad Airways expands its fleet with 32 new Airbus aircraft

Etihad Airways today announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet with the addition of 32 new Airbus aircraft, accelerating the company’s growth and strengthening its position as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines.

The agreement includes a range of A350-1000 aircraft, A350F freighters, and A330-900 aircraft under direct purchase orders and lease agreements, with the first deliveries starting in 2027, which is among the first periods of availability of wide-body aircraft in the global market.

This new commitment follows Etihad Airways’ agreement earlier this year to purchase an additional 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, bringing the company’s total new wide-body aircraft orders for 2025 to 60 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

Etihad Airways was quick to secure early delivery dates for the wide-body aircraft, ensuring that the new aircraft begin arriving from 2027, earlier than usual and often later than usual. This rapid implementation reflects Etihad Airways’ flexibility and expansion model, which enables it to enhance its competitive advantage through early acquisition of limited long-haul aircraft.

This combined order provides Etihad Airways with additional flexibility in operating medium, long-haul and cargo flights through:

• Additional A350-1000 aircraft increase long-haul capacity

• A350F freighters expand Etihad Cargo’s growing presence in global trade flows

• The A330-900 supports growth in medium and regional flights during a period of severely restricted widebody aircraft availability.

With the new Airbus order, Etihad will operate Airbus’s entire fleet of wide-body aircraft, including the A380, various A350 aircraft, including freighters, and the A330neo.

Commenting on the matter, Antonualdo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “Securing an additional 32 wide-body aircraft – with delivery starting in 2027 – demonstrates Etihad Airways’ ability to move quickly, secure rare fast delivery dates, and overcome global capacity constraints. These commitments ensure we can continue our growth trajectory, deliver more premium experiences, and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi.”

He continued: “These agreements reflect our confidence in the future of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector and our commitment to consolidating the emirate’s position as one of the world’s leading hubs. Etihad Airways’ impressive growth, supported by strategic fleet investments, continues to deliver sustainable value while attracting millions of visitors to Abu Dhabi annually. Our partnership with Airbus remains pivotal to achieving our long-term vision.”

“With 60 new widebody aircraft ordered this year from Airbus and Boeing, we are building one of the most modern, efficient and flexible long-haul fleets in the world,” Neves added.

For his part, Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Commercial Aircraft Sales at Airbus, commented: “Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest generation of wide-body aircraft is evidence of the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond. The A350 and A330neo will provide unparalleled efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”

Etihad continues to invest resolutely in the luxury travel experience on board its aircraft, with all new aircraft – including those announced today – will be delivered with next-generation First Class, Business Class and enhanced Economy Class cabins, and Viasat high-speed internet service. In addition to Etihad Airways’ ongoing program of cabin modernization and development, the company ensures a world-class travel experience on board all aircraft of its growing fleet.