Etihad Airways orders six A330-900s and ten more A350 at Dubai Airshow

Etihad Airways has ordered six Airbus A330-900s, seven A350-1000s, and three more A350F at the Dubai Airshow. The carrier also confirmed the lease of nine additional A330-900s from Avolon to support its network plans.

The agreement was already expected by the market, which had only anticipated orders for the A330-900 and the A350-1000.

The airline aims to strengthen its presence on medium and long-haul routes, as well as its cargo division. According to Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves, “These aircraft strengthen our operations in medium, long-haul and cargo. The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and medium-haul growth.”

Etihad’s latest order increases its backlog to 27 A350-1000s and includes a commitment for 10 A350F freighters. The A350-1000 can operate up to 9,700 nautical miles, while the A330neo offers a range of up to 8,100 nautical miles.

Both aircraft types deliver a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared with previous-generation models. The A350F is the only freighter currently designed to meet the ICAO’s 2027 CO2 emissions standards.

Airbus executive vice president of sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, stated, “Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership.” The manufacturer is targeting the capability for its aircraft to fly with up to 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030.

Etihad was once a major operator of the first-generation A330 family, having received 36 A330-200 and six A330-300 models, the latter of which was retired in 2020.

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