Etihad Airways announced an important investment at the Dubai Airshow to strengthen its Airbus wide-body aircraft fleet. The airline placed a firm order for six A330-900s, becoming the newest customer of the A330neo. In addition, with orders for seven A350-1000s and three A350Fs, it expanded its commitment to the A350 family. With these new agreements, Etihad’s total number of A350-1000 orders has risen to 27, and its number of A350F orders has increased to 10.
The order announcement was signed at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad Airways revealed that it would lease an additional nine A330-900 aircraft from Avolon.
“We are expanding our fleet with modern, efficient and versatile aircraft”
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasised that the new aircraft orders would serve different range needs and said:
“These aircraft strengthen our medium-range, long-range and cargo operations. While the A330neo offers the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and medium-range growth, the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance across our long-haul network. The A350F will significantly expand our capacity as global cargo demand rises. Our partnership with Airbus plays a key role in shaping our future fleet.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, evaluated Etihad’s investment in the latest generation wide-body aircraft as follows:
“Etihad Airways’ trust in Airbus’s next-generation wide-body aircraft is a strong indicator of our shared vision and long-term partnership. The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will provide Etihad with unmatched efficiency and flexibility in its operations.”
A350: A New Standard in Intercontinental Flights
The Airbus A350 stands out as one of the benchmark models for ultra-long-haul flights, with a range of 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres. Thanks to the latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines and its lightweight composite fuselage structure, compared to previous-generation aircraft it provides:
- 25% lower fuel consumption,
- 25% lower operating costs,
- 25% lower CO₂ emissions.
The A350’s cabin design is supported by new technology and aerodynamic optimisations that enhance passenger comfort.
A350F: The Only Freighter to Meet 2027 CO₂ Standards
Featuring the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, the A350F stands out as the only freighter that will fully meet the ICAO CO₂ emission standards coming into effect in 2027. Assembly of the test aircraft continues in Toulouse.
A330neo: Efficiency and Comfort for Medium and Long Range
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is ideal for long flights with its range of 8.100 nautical miles / 15,000 kilometres. The aircraft reduces fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and operating costs by 25% compared to the previous generation, while its Airspace cabin offers passengers more space, improved lighting and modern comfort.
SAF-Compatible Future Vision
All Airbus aircraft, including the A330neo and the A350 Family, can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be 100% SAF compatible by 2030.
As of the end of October 2025:
- A350 Family: 1,400+ orders from 64 customers,
- A330 Family: 1,900+ orders from 130+ customers, continuing to see strong global demand.
