Etihad Boosts Widebody Fleet with Airbus A330/350 Deal

Etihad Airways is expanding its fleet of Airbus widebody airliners with a firm order for six A330-900s announced at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday. The Abu Dhabi-based operator also agreed to lease a further nine of the same type from Avolon.

Airbus also reported that Etihad is a confirmed customer for seven more of the larger A350-1000 long-range jets and three A350F cargo models covered by an earlier contract. This deal will increase the number of this type in its fleet to 27 aircraft.

The A350 backlog is set for a further boost with Air Europa signing a memorandum of understanding to buy up to 40 of the -900 model. The Spanish airline said this will refresh its long-haul fleet for key markets such as Latin America. 

Later in the day, Airbus signed its biggest agreement during the show so far when low-cost carrier FlyDubai signed a memorandum of understanding for 150 A321neo narrowbodies. According to FlyDubai chairman HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who signed the agreement, the decision to become a new Airbus customer is part of the young airline's plans to expand operations at Al Maktoum International Airport. It currently operates a fleet consisting entirely of Boeing 737s.

“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo,” Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves commented. “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.”

Powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 can operate on routes of up to 7,350 nm. As part of the A330neo family, for which Etihad is the latest customer, the aircraft includes Airbus’ Airspace cabin interiors.

The A350-1000 can fly up to 9,700 nm, giving airlines extensive options for intercontinental routes. According to Airbus, the new A350F will have the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and is the only freighter that will meet new ICAO standards for carbon emissions that come into force in 2027. The manufacturer is now building the first A350F test aircraft in Toulouse.

In a separate agreement, Morocco's government has signed orders for 10 of Airbus's H225M helicopters. These will be equipped for combat search and rescue missions with the Royal Moroccan Air Force, replacing Puma rotorcraft that have been in service for 40 years.