Etihad Airways has announced the addition of 32 Airbus widebody aircraft to its fleet, marking an expansion of its operations and fleet capacity.
The agreement comprises A350-1000s, A350F freighters, and A330-900s through direct orders and lease commitments.
Deliveries will begin in 2027, representing one of the earliest widebody availability windows in the market.
Etihad secures 60 widebody aircraft in 2025
The announcement follows Etihad’s agreement earlier this year for 28 Boeing widebody aircraft. The airline’s total new widebody orders for 2025 now stand at 60 across Airbus and Boeing.
Etihad secured remaining early widebody delivery positions, with new aircraft arriving from 2027. This timeline is ahead of typical long-haul backlog schedules.
The order provides Etihad with operational flexibility across medium-haul, long-haul and cargo operations. A350-1000s will strengthen long-haul capacity, while A350F freighters will expand Etihad Cargo‘s operations in trade flows. A330-900s will support mid-haul and growth during a period of widebody supply constraints.
With the Airbus order, Etihad will operate the entire Airbus widebody fleet, including A380, A350 family including the freighter, and the A330neo.
“Securing 32 additional widebodies โ with deliveries beginning in 2027 โ demonstrates Etihadโs 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,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said in a statement.
“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,” Neves added.
Cabin experience and connectivity
“Etihad Airwaysโ 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 willย deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihadโs operations, supporting its futureย development,” Benoรฎtย deย Saint-Exupรฉry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business explained.
Etihad is investing in its onboard experience. All new aircraft will be delivered with the airline’s next-generation First, Business, enhanced Economy cabins, and Viasat high-speed internet.
The airline is running a retrofit and cabin upgrade programme to ensure a product experience across every aircraft in its fleet.
