Etihad Orders Airbus A330-900neo, More A350-1000s, Deliveries Start 2027

Etihad Airways has just announced an Airbus aircraft order at the Dubai Airshow, and it’s an interesting one, as the airline will be adding a new aircraft type to its fleet.

Etihad orders 25 wide body jets from Airbus

Etihad has just announced a major expansion to its Airbus wide body fleet. Most significant is that the Abu Dhabi-based airline has ordered 15 Airbus A330-900neos. Six of those are directly from Airbus, while nine are from leasing company Avolon, and the first is expected to be delivered in 2027.

For those not familiar, the A330neo is the latest generation version of the A330, featuring improved range and fuel efficiency. The A330-900neo is the larger of the two variants (with the other being the A330-800neo). The plane has a range of 7,350 nautical miles, plus a capacity for 287 passengers in a standard three cabin configuration.

On top of that, the airline has disclosed an order for seven additional A350-1000s (increasing the order total for the type to 27 frames) and three A350Fs for Etihad Cargo (bringing the order total for the type to 10 frames).

Here’s how Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves describes this order:

“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo. 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. The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations.”

My take on Etihad adding the A330-900neo to its fleet

There had been rumors that Etihad would be placing an order for the Airbus A330neo, so this doesn’t really come as a surprise.

As Etihad’s CEO indicates above, the A330neo will primarily be used for regional and medium haul flights. So expect the plane to fly within the Gulf region, and also to Europe, Africa, and all over Asia. Etihad’s wide body fleet already consists of A380s, A350-1000s, 787-10s, and 787-9s. The airline also has 777Xs on order, and is taking delivery of A321LRs (which aren’t wide bodies, but are operating medium haul flights).

Some people might wonder why Etihad would order the A330neo instead of more 787s, and add yet another aircraft type to the fleet. I think the explanation is pretty simple, really — the A330neo is more readily available and cheaper than a plane like the A350 or 787, so if you want to grow in the coming years, it’s likely your best bet.

It’s going to be interesting to see how much the A330neo fleet grows over the years, as I have to imagine that 15 frames might just be the start (assuming Etihad stays on its growth trajectory). Keep in mind this won’t be the first time that Etihad flies the A330 — back in the day, the airline had dozens of A330-200s and A330-300s, and some of them even had first class.

Bottom line

Etihad Airways has just placed an Airbus aircraft order. The airline will fly the A330-900neo for the first time, with 15 of those on order, to be delivered as of 2027. On top of that, the airline has ordered seven more A350-1000s, bringing that order book to 27 planes.

Given the pace at which Etihad is expanding, it’s not surprising to see the airline pick up the A330neo, due to the plane’s availability, plus it being well suited for Etihad’s geography.

What do you make of Etihad’s Airbus aircraft order?