Etihad Airways continues its remarkable growth, driven by strategic fleet investments, delivering sustainable value and attracting millions of visitors to Abu Dhabi annually. Alongside its ongoing program to modernize and enhance cabins, the company ensures a world-class travel experience across its expanding fleet. This rapid implementation reflects Etihad's agility and expansion model, enabling it to strengthen its competitive advantage by securing early access to limited-capacity long-haul aircraft.
This combined order for Etihad Airways provides additional flexibility for operating medium- and long-haul passenger and cargo flights through: • Additional A350-1000 aircraft to boost capacity on long-haul routes. • A350F freighter aircraft to expand Etihad Cargo's growing presence in global trade flows. • A330-900 aircraft to support the growth of medium- and regional-haul flights during a period of severe constraints on widebody aircraft availability.
With the new Airbus order, Etihad will operate a full fleet of Airbus widebody aircraft, including the A380, various A350 models (including freighters), and the A330neo.
Commenting on the announcement, Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Securing 32 additional widebody aircraft – with the first deliveries commencing in 2027 – demonstrates Etihad Airways' ability to move swiftly, secure rare early delivery slots, and overcome global capacity constraints. This new commitment follows an earlier agreement this year for Etihad to purchase an additional 28 widebody Boeing aircraft, bringing the company's total new orders for widebody aircraft in 2025 to 60 from Airbus and Boeing."
He added: "Etihad has moved swiftly to secure early delivery slots for widebody aircraft, ensuring the arrival of new aircraft will begin from 2027, ahead of usual schedules which are often delayed. These commitments ensure we can continue on our growth path, deliver more exceptional experiences, and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi."
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President, Commercial Aircraft, commented: "Etihad Airways' continued investment in the latest generation of our widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond."
Douglas continued: "With 60 new widebody aircraft ordered from Airbus and Boeing this year, we are building one of the most modern, efficient, and flexible long-haul fleets in the world. These agreements reflect our confidence in the future of Abu Dhabi's aviation sector and our commitment to cementing the emirate's position as a leading global hub. Our partnership with Airbus remains central to achieving our long-term vision. The A350 and A330neo aircraft will provide unparalleled efficiency and flexibility for Etihad's operations, supporting its future development."
Etihad continues to invest decisively in a premium travel experience across its aircraft. All new aircraft – including those announced today – will be delivered with next-generation First, Business, and Economy Class cabins, as well as high-speed internet from Viasat.
