Etihad Airways has announced one of its largest recent fleet expansions, placing firm orders for six Airbus A330-900s, seven additional A350-1000s and three A350F freighters. The deal, revealed at the Dubai Airshow, makes the Abu Dhabi carrier the latest customer for the A330neo and lifts its total A350-1000 commitment to 27 aircraft, while boosting its future A350F freighter fleet to 10.
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The airline also confirmed it will take nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon, further accelerating its medium- and long-haul growth plans.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the mix of A330neo, A350-1000 and A350F types was chosen to strengthen the carrier across passenger and cargo markets. “The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and mid-range growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network,” he said. “The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand.”
Airbus welcomed the expanded partnership. “Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales. “The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations.”
The A350 is Airbus’s flagship long-range jet, capable of flying up to 9,700nm and offering a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation competitors. The freighter variant, the A350F, is currently in test-aircraft assembly in Toulouse and will be the only new-build cargo aircraft to fully meet ICAO’s enhanced 2027 emissions standards.
The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, can fly up to 8,100nm and also promises a 25% cut in fuel burn and emissions versus older models. Both the A330neo and A350 can operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel; Airbus aims for 100% SAF capability by 2030.
As of the end of October 2025, Airbus had secured more than 1,400 orders for the A350 Family from 64 customers, and over 1,900 orders for the A330 Family from more than 130 operators worldwide.
