Etihad makes major widebody move with new A330neos, more A350-1000s and A350 freighters

Etihad Airways has unveiled one of its most significant widebody fleet expansions in recent years, placing a firm order for six Airbus A330-900s and becoming the latest customer for the A330neo. The Abu Dhabi carrier is also deepening its commitment to the Airbus A350 programme with an additional seven A350-1000s—bringing its total for the type to 27—as well as three more A350F freighters, raising its future A350F fleet to 10.

The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where Etihad also revealed plans to lease a further nine A330-900s from Avolon, significantly expanding capacity across both passenger and cargo operations.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the combined order cements Etihad’s strategy for a flexible, fuel-efficient long-haul fleet. “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, he added, will substantially boost Etihad Cargo “as global demand continues to expand.”

Airbus welcomed the latest investment, with EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry highlighting the airline’s “continued commitment to our latest-generation widebody aircraft” and the growing partnership between the two companies.

The A350 family—already surpassing 1,400 orders—remains Airbus’s flagship long-range platform, offering up to 25% lower fuel burn and emissions compared with older widebodies. The A350F, now in assembly in Toulouse, is set to become the only freighter compliant with ICAO’s 2027 emissions standards.

The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, offers similar efficiency gains on medium- and long-haul routes, while introducing Airbus’s Airspace cabin to Etihad passengers.

Both aircraft families can currently operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030.

With this expanded order book—spanning passenger, regional, long-haul and cargo operations—Etihad is positioning itself to run one of the most modern and efficient widebody fleets in the world.