This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Etihad Airways has placed an order for 15 Airbus A330neos and will also increase its commitments for the A350-1000 and A350F. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier made the announcement on Day Two of the 
Dubai Airshow 2025 as part of an agreement with leasing firm Avolon.
Along with the A330-900, the carrier has added up to seven more A350-1000s and three more A350Fs to its orderbook. Etihad expects deliveries of the A330neo to begin in 2027, with the aircraft considered an ideal fit for the carrier’s extensive European and Asian network.
Etihad In For The A330neo
In a joint announcement with Airbus and leasing company Avolon, Etihad Airways revealed a commitment for 15 A330-900 jets, which is a brand-new type for the Middle Eastern carrier. The airline has placed an order for six Airbus A330-900s directly with Airbus, and will induct a further nine as part of a leasing agreement with Avolon.
If all goes to plan, Etihad will be welcoming its first A330 within the next two years, adding operational versatility to Etihad’s mixed Airbus and Boeing fleet. Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves told reporters at the Dubai Airshow that the first deliveries will take place in 2027. Last week, reports emerged that Etihad and Airbus were in talks over an upcoming order, rumored to include both the A330neo and A350.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft, commented:
“Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared vision we have for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond. The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”
Confidence In The A350
Etihad has also increased its orderbook for the A350-1000 and A350F, taking its total commitment to 27 -1000s and ten A350Fs. Etihad first started flying the A350 in 2019, initially operating a fleet of five aircraft before inducting four more aircraft this year.
Widebody Expansion
Etihad’s deal for up to 32 more Airbus widebodies complements its major order with Boeing announced earlier this year, marking a period of significant widebody expansion. In May, the airline disclosed an order for 28 Boeing widebodies — consisting of a mix of Boeing 777X and 787 Dreamliners — worth an estimated $14.5 billion.
A significant aspect of Etihad’s recent order is how quickly its new jets will arrive in a highly competitive timeslot pecking order. With the first airframes arriving in 2027, the airline noted that it “acted quickly to secure some of the last remaining early widebody delivery positions worldwide,”
