Etihad orders 15 A330-900s and adds to existing A350-1000 and A350F fleets
November 18, 2025
On the morning of day two at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Etihad Airways announced a significant expansion of its Airbus widebody fleet. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier placed firm orders for six A330-900s, becoming a new customer for the twin-aisle type.
In addition to the A330neo order, the airline also announced orders for seven additional A350-1000s (increasing its total fleet of the type to 27) plus three additional A350F (bringing the airline’s A350F commitment to 10 aircraft).
The airline also said that it had signed commitments for the lease of nine A330-900neos from aircraft lessor Avolon.
New Airbus planes to accelerate expansion
The carrier first took delivery of its first A350-1000 in May 2019 and has nine of an initial batch of 11 aircraft already on strength. These aircraft are configured to accommodate 371 passengers in a two-class configuration.
The airline has already placed seven A350F orders, dating back to August 2022. The airline has previously operated six of the A330-300 variant of the popular passenger twinjet. These have since been retired.
“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO.
“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.”
“Unmatched efficiency and flexibility”
“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,” added Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
“The combination of the A350 family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”
According to Airbus, the A350-1000 is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) non-stop and features state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering “unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.”
“Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.”
More about the A330-900 and the A350F
Airbus added that the A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the dedicated freighter market, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. Currently, the assembly of the first test aircraft is underway at the company’s A350 final assembly plant in Toulouse, France.
Introducing a new type into the Etihad fleet, the A330-900neos will be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. Etihad said that the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000km) non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.
News just in! Strengthening its medium, long-haul and cargo operations, @Etihad has ordered 6 #A330neo. ✈️ The airline also disclosed additional orders for 7 #A350-1000s, for a total of 27 and 3 more all-new #A350F for a total of 10! https://t.co/ZZdnX6BkF3
— Airbus (@Airbus) November 18, 2025
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo and the A350 family are able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
At the end of October 2025, the A350 family had won over 1,400 orders from 64 customers, while the A330 family had won over 1,900 orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.
Featured image: Airbus
