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.
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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?
The orders from lessor Avalon are the ones likely to be delivered to Etihad first in 2027. Avolon ordered these aircraft years ago but lessors typically hold out placing some of their orders with airlines until the last minute (within 2 years of delivery) in order to get the best pricing for themselves. CEO of Etihad admitted they only bought/leased the A330s because of their earlier availability. Because of strong recent financial results, potentially in...
The orders from lessor Avalon are the ones likely to be delivered to Etihad first in 2027. Avolon ordered these aircraft years ago but lessors typically hold out placing some of their orders with airlines until the last minute (within 2 years of delivery) in order to get the best pricing for themselves. CEO of Etihad admitted they only bought/leased the A330s because of their earlier availability. Because of strong recent financial results, potentially in advance of an IPO, Etihad has just stepped up its growth plan for the next 5 years to a fleet of 200 aircraft by 2030 compared to the previous target of 170+ and 115 currently. These orders were probably arranged a while back and were just waiting for the Dubai Air Show this week.
Etihad started with an all airbus fleet, dominated by A330-200 and A330-300. So this is not new for them. Besides, the A330 is a time proven, flexible, reliable airplane. Quieter than the 787, comfortable, and excellent layout. Well-done Etihad.
I wouldn't say they are "taking delivery" of A321LR's considering that they already have been operating it since most part of this year.
They only have 2 at the moment, so that still qualifies as taking delivery.
Off topic Lucky, but an interesting update for your Japan/China story?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/18/chinese-travellers-estimated-to-have-cancelled-500000-flights-to-japan-amid-rising-tensions
Just to refresh Tim's memory heh:
"The 787-9 has greater range but it is not needed for 350 operators, of which CX is one of the largest.
The 787-10 is larger and more cost-efficient than the 339 but overlaps with the 350.
It is very unlikely that many airlines will order both the 787 and an A330/350 combination."
Apparently that list gets bigger with Virgin and now Etihad, with Delta yet to place an...
Just to refresh Tim's memory heh:
"The 787-9 has greater range but it is not needed for 350 operators, of which CX is one of the largest.
The 787-10 is larger and more cost-efficient than the 339 but overlaps with the 350.
It is very unlikely that many airlines will order both the 787 and an A330/350 combination."
Apparently that list gets bigger with Virgin and now Etihad, with Delta yet to place an order. Apparently, Gaurda is also in discussions to order some 787s as well! So that makes 4.
as much as you want to turn everything into a pil23432ng match, the 787 and A350 do different things and the A350 in either of the latest versions does far more than the 787 in any version can do.
the 787-10 is the most economical widebody per passenger but yet the 339 keeps selling, proving that its attractiveness is Airbus' ability to deliver it fairly early and its lower sales price since it is a...
as much as you want to turn everything into a pil23432ng match, the 787 and A350 do different things and the A350 in either of the latest versions does far more than the 787 in any version can do.
the 787-10 is the most economical widebody per passenger but yet the 339 keeps selling, proving that its attractiveness is Airbus' ability to deliver it fairly early and its lower sales price since it is a less technologically advanced aircraft. the 330NEO will easily top 500 sales which is not bad for an airplane for which Airbus spend $2 billion in development costs; In contrast, Boeing has spent 10X that amount on the 787
and DL will very likely order 787s and have both versions of the A350
I'm just quoting what you initially said, but I still love you man. Relax!
I'm fully relaxed.
My statements are as true as the day I wrote them in full.
""It is very unlikely that many airlines will order both the 787 and an A330/350 combination."
"My statements are as true as the day I wrote them in full."
So would you say you were wrong if/when the list of carriers that have ordered both the 787 as well as the 330N/350 grows?!
A mixed fleet of 787s as well as A330Ns/A350s can certainly work the same way a mixed fleet of the 767/777 and...
""It is very unlikely that many airlines will order both the 787 and an A330/350 combination."
"My statements are as true as the day I wrote them in full."
So would you say you were wrong if/when the list of carriers that have ordered both the 787 as well as the 330N/350 grows?!
A mixed fleet of 787s as well as A330Ns/A350s can certainly work the same way a mixed fleet of the 767/777 and A330/340. Numerous airlines I can think of that have operated both types at the same time.
KLM - 767, A330
Air France - 767, 772, A330, 343
Singapore - A343, 772
Cathay Pacific - 772, A330
And the list goes on.
There are 6 airlines that are both A330NEO and 787-8/9 customers, but Delta isn’t one of them. They are Virgin Atlantic, Uganda airlines, Saudia Group, Hainan airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Etihad.
787-10 and A350 have coexisted with many airlines even if one of the fleets has yet to start deliveries. United, BA, Etihad, Korean Air, SIA, Emirates, and KLM come to mind.
"There are 6 airlines that are both A330NEO and 787-8/9 customers, but Delta isn’t one of them."
"787-10 and A350 have coexisted with many airlines even if one of the fleets has yet to start deliveries. United, BA, Etihad, Korean Air, SIA, Emirates, and KLM come to mind."
Tell that to Tim! :D
thank you, Justin.
Delta will almost certainly order the 787 if only because they politically cannot afford to operate an all-Airbus widebody fleet after the 767s are retired - within 10 years and probably less. and DL is likely to order the 787-10 as all or part of its order; the 787-10 is the most efficient TATL and S. America aircraft but it covers only a small part of TPAC routes
Politics is part...
thank you, Justin.
Delta will almost certainly order the 787 if only because they politically cannot afford to operate an all-Airbus widebody fleet after the 767s are retired - within 10 years and probably less. and DL is likely to order the 787-10 as all or part of its order; the 787-10 is the most efficient TATL and S. America aircraft but it covers only a small part of TPAC routes
Politics is part of the reason several of those airlines operate Airbus and Boeing widebodies even though the 787 and A350 are not direct competitors on a number of fronts.
"if only because they politically cannot afford to operate an all-Airbus widebody fleet after the 767s are retired"
No one's making 30 year fleet projections on wide-body vs narrow-body source.
And if any idiot politician tried to make this an issue, Delta's obvious bipartite response would first be "screw you, our last large order was for 100 Boeings," followed by a million dollar donation to whomever that politician's primary challenger will be.
Delta knows...
"if only because they politically cannot afford to operate an all-Airbus widebody fleet after the 767s are retired"
No one's making 30 year fleet projections on wide-body vs narrow-body source.
And if any idiot politician tried to make this an issue, Delta's obvious bipartite response would first be "screw you, our last large order was for 100 Boeings," followed by a million dollar donation to whomever that politician's primary challenger will be.
Delta knows it. Politicians know it. Which is why they don't (and won't) make an issue out of that.
except the 787-10 IS the most efficient TATL airplane per passenger. DL doesn't have to buy a 2nd class product in order to also have fleet diversity.
When you run a major US airline and decide that country of origin for airplanes doesn't matter, let us know.
I can assure you that DL will fly Boeing widebodies and narrowbodies even though, esp. for the narrowbodies, it can be argued that Airbus produces better and more capable products.
Great to see our debates and arguments being substantive without insults being hurled at each other! Politicians can learn a lot from how we conduct ourselves ;)
Garuda - nope
Saudia group - a stretch operated by completely different entities.
While Garuda doesn't have any 787s on order, discussions are ongoing for an order composing of 789s and more MAXs.
And fair play on the Saudia group; while part of the Saudia group, completely different airline and you won't see them in Saudia colours.
Makes sense. Least these are actually available and will be delivered unlike another plane.